Back to Saudi 2013
We left Saudi in April of 2009, we never returned after the summer. Two of the older kids made a trip back in 2012 and then Soos and Mude wanted to visit. Foof accompanied them as she speaks fluent Arabic. The trip was not great, but it did give them some answers and help them to move forward!
Soos and little brother Mude
soda pop
Foof eating
Foof having a snack
My daughter in front of the mall
Saudi Riyal
Hospital where my 6th child was born, now renovated–there baby stands 18 years later!
Mude (the runner) out at the desert
Sumaya at the corniche
My son at the beach
137 Comments
Post a comment
Great photos!
LikeLiked by 2 people
thanks Cynthia!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Fabulous photos of your beautiful children, Lynn.❤️ Nutella ???
LikeLiked by 2 people
yes isn’t it tiny? I had not heard of it here, but there it was huge, they get tons of european, asian, indian products.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Your children are so beautiful and handsome. It had to be an eye opening and life changing trip for them.
LikeLiked by 3 people
It really was suzanne! It was hardest for my sweet son! he wanted to return as soon as he got there. He was young when we left so I think memories all flooded back I dont know. His father kept bringing up his “sister” and insisted on throwing her in with them which was akward and weird for them since he never bothered to address his marriage and child to them!! anyway it was a life changing trip!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Gorgeous kids. We’re kids glad to leave?
LikeLiked by 2 people
the older kids told me when we relocated, they would not return, things had gotten to such a bad place! so I stayed here not being able to be without my kids. The younger ones didn’t remember much so the return visit gave them clarity for sure!
LikeLiked by 2 people
I am soooo glad you stayed…..
LikeLike
Thanks dear, I am too! It has been a rough road but we have made huge progress! we are hoping to come over during Spring break and I hope we can see you!
LikeLike
Great photos Lynn! (of the ones that would download for me). This iPad is starting to give me problems.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Sorry dear PJ! Thanks for visiting xo
LikeLike
You have such lovely children, Lynn!
LikeLiked by 2 people
thank you so much PJ!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s true! 🙂 Have a wonderful day, Lynn!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Xx
LikeLike
xoxox
LikeLiked by 1 person
It must have been strange to visit. I am sure a lot of memories…. Maybe closure. Your children have experienced life….and life. They are great and I know you are so proud. x
LikeLiked by 4 people
I am so very proud. I think it did bring closure for sure!
LikeLiked by 2 people
I think that “your kids experienced life….and life” is profound. Because most of the time life – it just kind of sucks. The highlights make for gratitude, but it is hard to *love* so much of the crap… 🙂
LikeLike
You are right life is tough! 🙂
LikeLike
Great photos Lynn and I think it was good for your kids to re-visit Saudi Arabia again. Then they much better understand your choice about leaving.
LikeLiked by 3 people
yes they really did, my son had a long visit and wanted to leave as soon as they arrived at his apartment!
LikeLiked by 2 people
I believe so.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s lovely to see all these photos of your children…so grown up now…your love has made them that they are Lynz 💕💕💕
LikeLiked by 4 people
Thank you dear Frances
LikeLiked by 2 people
I am so glad you are posting about your life. I need to spend more time in your site to learn more. You and your children are beautiful.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks so much! I started a cooking blog after a nasty visit from him, so then i made friends here and was shaky and started writing! Now i cannot stop.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks for sharing Lynz. I hope you and your children continue to learn, grow, and move on!
LikeLike
Thanks!
LikeLike
You don’t need you to stop – hehe!!! So glad you have this forum to share back and forth!!
LikeLike
I am so glad we can talk!!
LikeLike
Great post and wonderful pictures. I think you’ve done a remarkable job raising your children. They all seem like wonderful people!
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thank so much, they are quite amazing and a great support to me! They are my cheerleaders!
LikeLiked by 3 people
As “HE” reaps what he sows…It gave the children a clearer picture. As they themselves become parents only then will the thrust and impact of what they do recall come to surface. My hat as always is off to you Lynn, for your endurance, care, love, devotion to your 9 babies! Cheryl xoxoxoxox
LikeLike
Thanks sweetie xoxoxo
LikeLiked by 1 person
xoxoxoxo Bestie 2
LikeLiked by 1 person
xoxo
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great photos! I bet the trip was very emotional for them. Great photo of your daughter standing in front of the hospital where she was born..what a treasure!
LikeLike
Yes I was so excited to see her go there and pose! It was highly emotional! The year before Foof had gone with Abdullah, his second wife and child were there and that was awful!!!! The next time it was just he and his mother so it was better but he was acting like his old self so it was a mess! My son wanted to come home the day he got there- a long two weeks for us all! But I think some clarity for all!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It sounds like it. They need to stay here with you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lynn,
Very nice photographs. Your children are so beautiful and handsome!
LikeLike
Thanks so much Sandhya!
LikeLike
Lovely pictures. Hopefully it gave the children the clarity they were seeking.
LikeLike
I think it did or at least it helped!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nice photos.. it must have been quite an experience going back to Saudi. I would love to visit the hospital I was born too haha 🙂
LikeLike
I thought it was so cute that she went and posed there!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful children you have. And brave. Walking through the fire is hard for anyone but particularly for children who had no say in what happened. The ‘sister’ ‘remarriage’ issue struck a deep chord with me. It should be no surprise that their father is quite so crass and insensitive I suppose but it must have been terribly hard for the children to just be expected to accept his status quo. Of course I LOVE that teeny tiny Nutella – haven’t ever seen one so small, not even in France 🙂
LikeLike
Yes isn’t that a tiny Nutella? They do love nutella! Yes it has been hard for them and I hope now we can just move forward!
LikeLiked by 1 person
YOu will. I don’t write of my experience and what happened to my children. All I can promise is they will find their way and they are the stronger for it. Really mummy, they will and they are 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow sorry to hear there is a story, i kind of wondered after some things you have said!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s for the telling some day but not for now – Mine is long ago and far away and the thing is my children have THRIVED and so are yours … I just feel I should acknowledge my solidarity when appropriate 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks!!!!! I appreciate it so much!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great images! At least they had each other while there and had fun being tourists.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Yes true! Xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Amazing photos of your kids Lynn. You should be proud – you are a great mom! 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
thanks dear!
LikeLiked by 1 person
So many smiles! And a life-changing trip for al, even for those who stayed behindl, I’m sure.
LikeLiked by 2 people
for sure! you are so right for all of us!
LikeLike
Such great pictures, and so nice that they were able to take the trip together! I love the picture of your daughter standing outside the hospital where she was born. 🙂 xo
LikeLiked by 4 people
YES!!!!! I can’t believe they went there and took a pic. for me! Little baby Soos!
LikeLiked by 2 people
So sweet!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Loving these beautiful photos ♥
summerdaisy.net
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks! xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
That small thing of nutella looks like a bottle of nail polish. :D….So when you guys left, did he know you were leaving for good or did he think you were coming back?
LikeLiked by 2 people
NO he didn’t! He said I could not go, I spent most days in my bedroom, laying there doing nothing trying to keep things calm, he warned me that I would never take his kids any where. I tried to be calm, cool and go along. My son was graduating in Chem. Engineering so I begged to go. I didn’t know I wasn’t going back. My two older kids told me they would not go back withe me! It was a bad situation and so I stayed . They knew I would not leave them in the states and go back! It was very scary. We painted our apartment window with spray paint so if he came he could not look in. So no he did not know and neither did I. I did a paper route at 1 am a cleaning job and was a cook. I had 7 kids to take care of, no income. So it was rough.
LikeLiked by 3 people
What an ordeal! The decision your boys made was a very brave one. I almost wonder if they already knew before leaving that they were not going to go back…maybe they already had their minds made up. Good thing they did…it gave you the courage to leave that relationship, even though you had to start over from scratch. I bet you lived on pins and needles for quite some time after that.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thank you for always bringing us a glimpse into another world
LikeLiked by 2 people
you are most welcome!
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
A lot of memories there, Lynz. Your children seem to have grown up to be come lovely people.
Leslie
LikeLiked by 2 people
They are lovely Leslie, thanks! xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
I bet they are a lot of comfort to you, Lynz. I know our children are a comfort for us.
Leslie
LikeLiked by 1 person
yes they are!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nice photos, Lynn! I’m glad you and your kids were able to come back to the United States. What’s Vimto?
LikeLiked by 2 people
It is a pop that is famous over there like fruity!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Lovely pictures! Such a beautiful family!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks Carol!
LikeLiked by 1 person
💕💕💕
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hmm interesting. Maybe it was similar to Fanta? I pay attention to details a lot. Lol. Yum Starbucks too!
LikeLiked by 1 person
it could be kind of like fanta yes
LikeLiked by 1 person
That was a good idea for them to go back. As you said, that way they could easier and convinced move on. Great pics again and of course… Nutella!!! That is the first time I see that currency!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks Erika!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Big hugs 💖
LikeLiked by 1 person
thanks sweetie!
LikeLiked by 1 person
😘😘
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am sure they will be very settled in the States now, as they have no more illusions about the life that was. xx
LikeLiked by 3 people
yes it closed the door!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wonderful photos, and your children look so happy. I should think the trip was filled with memories and would have meant so much to them. It’s good to know they’re happily settled in the United States.
LikeLiked by 3 people
It was a strange trip and one that helped them to see what life they left behind!
LikeLike
I imagine that made them appreciate their new home in the US even more – although there are always people to be missed.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh yes
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great pics as always!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great photos, Lynz, thanks for sharing!
LikeLiked by 2 people
HI Vonita!
LikeLike
Beautiful family. I’m glad the ones who wanted to, got to return for some closure, or information…. Do they have a chance to embrace that part of their culture, considering all that they have been through? It seems as if you embraced a good deal of it (food, etc) and can keep that part alive for them.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Arabic school was…. ROUGH! They were not accepted at all. Now they are finding out who they are like most young people. It has been difficult even for me so for them hard!
LikeLiked by 2 people
How horrible that had to have been. Why are ‘we’ so cruel to one another in our little world in the vast universe???
LikeLiked by 1 person
I just don’t know. It’s weird if someone is different then people often panic I guess!
LikeLike
I think you are right.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much for showing us your precious family! xoxo
LikeLiked by 2 people
Xoxo
LikeLiked by 1 person
So glad the kids had the chance to return. Even better that their father behaved in such a way that it helped them to move on.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I felt bad but that was real for them
LikeLiked by 2 people
They needed to experience it for themselves, and at an age when it made sense. Well, the whole thing will never make sense, but you know what I mean.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yes I totally agree Peggy! They saw it and said no thanks, not going back and remembered it or I think they did!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am glad you have these photos. This whole Arabic experience seems surreal to me – and I am so grateful you can be back in the states. We definitely have problems here, but I hope your kids are all happy to be able to be here. Sending you blessings always ❤
LikeLike
Thanks dear Cathy! xx
LikeLike
Some questions I’ve had for a while have been answered. This post has added to my constant feeling throughout that you are an incredibly strong, patient and wise woman. You are the island on which your children can seek sanctuary and yet you allow them to explore the shifting sometimes turbulent seas around them. I loved these photos but your attempt at self video taping has me in awe! I think you need an audio-visual crew to follow you around. A Lynn S reality show. You’re much more interesting then those dull New Jersey Housewives! Love, Clare
LikeLiked by 2 people
hahaha thanks dear Clare! you are so sweet! hi Roxie!
LikeLiked by 1 person
🎤😸
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Such lovely photos of your beautiful babies 🙂
Having read all of the comments above, it really must have been quite an experience for them all x
LikeLiked by 1 person
It was really interesting and good I suppose!
LikeLiked by 1 person
And probably necessary x
LikeLiked by 1 person
yes I think it was x
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great share :
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks!
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wonderful post Lynz – let the pictures do the talking – I would call this ‘Full Circle’ xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
yes so true! xxx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful family ❤ Great photos, Lynz!
LikeLiked by 1 person
thanks!
LikeLike
Beautiful family!
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
beautiful pictures! that small jar of nutella is so cute 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I know either huge or tiny!
LikeLiked by 1 person
hehehe
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’d be curious to hear some of their perspectives!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Some day maybe they will post something. They have lots and lots to say!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I would love to read it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
they have been silent like me for so long that it is hard to speak! But maybe one day
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your children are very beautiful. They exude happiness.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks co much I hope they have that happiness inside and I think they do:)
LikeLiked by 1 person