My New Muslim Neighbors

[Myoho]

Team.... I am very much a Buddhist practitioner. However, I cannot seem to start a new thread at this time.

Just figured it out... Sorry about the double post.

Any who...

My new neighbors are Middle Eastern immigrants. The Husband (from what I understand) works at the local Community College teaching English as a Second Language. They moved in about 3 months ago.

Every other day they send over one of their children with food (absolutely yummy stuff at all times) to my house. The wife always hides when I accept the meal... and when I return the dishes.

The first course was delivered by a girl child of maybe 3 or 4 years old. Absolutely delicious home-made flat bread.
Two days later, a HUGE heaping bowl of Cus Cus (sp?) smothered in Chick Peas, Onions, Carrotts... and other delicious veggies. But, there was a bit of meat about the size of a large meat-ball (I hate to say it, but I gave the meat to my dogie since I am a Vegetarian Buddhist).

The next time a boy child (maybe 7 or 8 years old) delivered more flat bread (right out of the oven and still hot). And again tonight he delivered me another (fresh out of the oven) serving of Middle Eastern Bread. Hot, crispy on the outside, chewy on the inside. I immediately put a bit of Honey on it and chowed down.

Third time (during Lunch hour) the Father brought me a full course meal and a Salad (absolutely delicious) with Carrots, Olives and Feta Cheese. He said "Lunch was on them and to enjoy this truly Authentic meal".

I think they asked the rental center about me. (The manager probably told them I am Buddhist and Vegetarian).

Just now, the young boy brought over more flat bread hot out of the Oven!!

I have not been invited into their house. Yet, when they send their children over to deliver me food their door is wide open (but no-one is to be found but the kids). They have nothing but a few prayer rugs and a 19" TV.

I have a feeling they are just restarting their lives from certain misery they have probably suffered.

He works, she stays at home with 3 very young children.

QUESTION: How do I ask to show them the town?

I live in Denver, CO and am sure they would love to explore and see the 16th Street Mall and some of the wonderful restaurants.

I want to take them Sight Seeing downtown... how do I confront them?

[harun]

1. I am jealous of the good eats you are getting

Should be able to just ask the dad if him and the family would like to go with you and your family to see some things. He may say him and the boys would like to go with you until they get to know you better. They may not want to eat yet at restaurants they don't know. If they are real strict with halal foods. If they grew up eating only halal their whole lives it will of course be a big concern for them to know what they are eating and may prefer to make everything at home still.

Being a vegetarian you probably know some good veggie places. They wouldn't have any trouble with a place like that.

[mtf80123]

2. Namaste (thank you)

3 Days ago I delivered a large decorative platter of food to them (very young boy answered the door and accepted).

The meal I served was Organic Cavatappi noodles, sauteed in organic Olive Oil, Button Mushrooms and melted Goat Cheese topped with Grilled White Asparagus and Grilled Yellow Fin Tuna. A fresh Spinach Salad on the side topped with Black Olives, Carrots and Grapes.

Today, the Father (finally) brought back the serving tray and said they "enjoyed the meal". From the short conversation I had with him, I understand he is here as an "English as a Second Language" student and is also a teacher" at the local Community College.

Said they are from Lybia.

What next? How do I take them out and ensure they feel safe? I want them to discover their new home of Denver!!

How do I approach them personally?

[mtf80123]

3. Yes... I do

know some wonderful veggie restaurants in this city. Single here, and I intend to stay that way. My own salvation is far more important than the social and theological.

However, with this wonderful family "across the hall" from me. It does not matter.

I do not want to provide a testimony of my life to anyone, but I do want to show them a good time in our wonderful State.

They are Lybian. How do I ask to take their entire family on a trip through the mountains or shopping downtown?

[harun]

4. Just ask them, they would probably like the opportunity to practice

English a bit with you.

[madeline_con]

5. The rugs may be what they hang out on.

I've been to many Saudi homes wherein there is no sofa. They could have bought a smaller TV and a sofa. So, maybe they don't want one. Also, if the eat their meals on the floor, they don't need dining room stuff, either.

An ESOL student? With a family in tow. I wonder if they may be escaping a not so great situation.

[JCMach1]

6. the majlis only contains pillows, rugs and cushions as furniture

Many middle-eastern cultures will also eat in this room on the floor.