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Back to Saudi 2013

by Lynz Real Cooking on February 9, 2016

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
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Hospital where my 6th child was born, now renovated–there baby stands 18 years later!

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Mude (the runner) out at the desert

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Sumaya at the corniche

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My son at the beach

 

 

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  1. cynthiamvoss #

    Great photos!

    Liked by 2 people

    February 9, 2016
    Reply
  2. vanbytheriver #

    Fabulous photos of your beautiful children, Lynn.❤️ Nutella ???

    Liked by 2 people

    February 9, 2016
    Reply
    • Lynz Real Cooking #

      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.

      Liked by 2 people

      February 9, 2016
      Reply
  3. apuginthekitchen #

    Your children are so beautiful and handsome. It had to be an eye opening and life changing trip for them.

    Liked by 3 people

    February 9, 2016
    Reply
    • Lynz Real Cooking #

      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!

      Liked by 1 person

      February 9, 2016
      Reply
  4. lbeth1950 #

    Gorgeous kids. We’re kids glad to leave?

    Liked by 2 people

    February 9, 2016
    Reply
    • Lynz Real Cooking #

      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!

      Liked by 2 people

      February 9, 2016
      Reply
      • angncathy #

        I am soooo glad you stayed…..

        Like

        February 9, 2016
        Reply
        • Lynz Real Cooking #

          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!

          Like

          February 9, 2016
          Reply
  5. Priceless Joy #

    Great photos Lynn! (of the ones that would download for me). This iPad is starting to give me problems.

    Liked by 2 people

    February 9, 2016
    Reply
  6. lynne hoareau #

    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

    Liked by 4 people

    February 9, 2016
    Reply
    • Lynz Real Cooking #

      I am so very proud. I think it did bring closure for sure!

      Liked by 2 people

      February 9, 2016
      Reply
    • angncathy #

      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… 🙂

      Like

      February 9, 2016
      Reply
  7. IreneDesign2011 #

    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.

    Liked by 3 people

    February 9, 2016
    Reply
  8. Frances 🌺 #

    It’s lovely to see all these photos of your children…so grown up now…your love has made them that they are Lynz 💕💕💕

    Liked by 4 people

    February 9, 2016
    Reply
  9. cindy knoke #

    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.

    Liked by 2 people

    February 9, 2016
    Reply
  10. ladieswholunchreviews #

    Great post and wonderful pictures. I think you’ve done a remarkable job raising your children. They all seem like wonderful people!

    Liked by 3 people

    February 9, 2016
    Reply
  11. Cheryl "Cheffie Cooks" Wiser #

    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

    Like

    February 9, 2016
    Reply
  12. Antonia #

    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!

    Like

    February 9, 2016
    Reply
    • Lynz Real Cooking #

      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!

      Liked by 1 person

      February 9, 2016
      Reply
  13. Sandhya #

    Lynn,
    Very nice photographs. Your children are so beautiful and handsome!

    Like

    February 9, 2016
    Reply
  14. koolaidmoms #

    Lovely pictures. Hopefully it gave the children the clarity they were seeking.

    Like

    February 9, 2016
    Reply
  15. CHCooks #

    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 🙂

    Like

    February 9, 2016
    Reply
  16. Osyth #

    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 🙂

    Like

    February 9, 2016
    Reply
    • Lynz Real Cooking #

      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!

      Liked by 1 person

      February 9, 2016
      Reply
      • Osyth #

        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 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

        February 9, 2016
        Reply
        • Lynz Real Cooking #

          Wow sorry to hear there is a story, i kind of wondered after some things you have said!!

          Liked by 1 person

          February 9, 2016
          Reply
          • Osyth #

            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 🙂

            Liked by 1 person

            February 9, 2016
          • Lynz Real Cooking #

            Thanks!!!!! I appreciate it so much!

            Liked by 1 person

            February 9, 2016
  17. circadianreflections #

    Great images! At least they had each other while there and had fun being tourists.

    Liked by 3 people

    February 9, 2016
    Reply
  18. spearfruit #

    Amazing photos of your kids Lynn. You should be proud – you are a great mom! 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

    February 9, 2016
    Reply
  19. fromthefamilytable #

    So many smiles! And a life-changing trip for al, even for those who stayed behindl, I’m sure.

    Liked by 2 people

    February 9, 2016
    Reply
  20. Anna #

    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

    Liked by 4 people

    February 9, 2016
    Reply
  21. Summer Daisy #

    Loving these beautiful photos ♥

    summerdaisy.net

    Liked by 2 people

    February 9, 2016
    Reply
  22. Tasha #

    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?

    Liked by 2 people

    February 9, 2016
    Reply
    • Lynz Real Cooking #

      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.

      Liked by 3 people

      February 9, 2016
      Reply
      • Tasha #

        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.

        Liked by 3 people

        February 9, 2016
        Reply
  23. thespiritkeepers #

    Thank you for always bringing us a glimpse into another world

    Liked by 2 people

    February 9, 2016
    Reply
  24. swo8 #

    A lot of memories there, Lynz. Your children seem to have grown up to be come lovely people.
    Leslie

    Liked by 2 people

    February 9, 2016
    Reply
  25. amaya911 #

    Nice photos, Lynn! I’m glad you and your kids were able to come back to the United States. What’s Vimto?

    Liked by 2 people

    February 9, 2016
    Reply
  26. Cooking For The Time Challenged #

    Lovely pictures! Such a beautiful family!

    Liked by 2 people

    February 9, 2016
    Reply
  27. amaya911 #

    Hmm interesting. Maybe it was similar to Fanta? I pay attention to details a lot. Lol. Yum Starbucks too!

    Liked by 1 person

    February 9, 2016
    Reply
  28. Erika Kind #

    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!

    Liked by 2 people

    February 9, 2016
    Reply
  29. joanfrankham #

    I am sure they will be very settled in the States now, as they have no more illusions about the life that was. xx

    Liked by 3 people

    February 9, 2016
    Reply
  30. milliethom #

    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.

    Liked by 3 people

    February 9, 2016
    Reply
  31. walkerkaty0 #

    Great pics as always!

    Liked by 2 people

    February 9, 2016
    Reply
  32. Vonita #

    Great photos, Lynz, thanks for sharing!

    Liked by 2 people

    February 9, 2016
    Reply
  33. Chatter Master #

    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.

    Liked by 2 people

    February 9, 2016
    Reply
    • Lynz Real Cooking #

      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!

      Liked by 2 people

      February 9, 2016
      Reply
  34. anotherfoodieblogger #

    Thank you so much for showing us your precious family! xoxo

    Liked by 2 people

    February 9, 2016
    Reply
  35. leggypeggy #

    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.

    Liked by 2 people

    February 9, 2016
    Reply
    • Lynz Real Cooking #

      I felt bad but that was real for them

      Liked by 2 people

      February 9, 2016
      Reply
      • leggypeggy #

        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.

        Liked by 2 people

        February 9, 2016
        Reply
        • Lynz Real Cooking #

          Yes I totally agree Peggy! They saw it and said no thanks, not going back and remembered it or I think they did!

          Liked by 1 person

          February 9, 2016
          Reply
  36. angncathy #

    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 ❤

    Like

    February 9, 2016
    Reply
  37. Claremary P. Sweeney #

    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

    Liked by 2 people

    February 9, 2016
    Reply
  38. Elaine @ foodbod #

    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

    Liked by 1 person

    February 10, 2016
    Reply
  39. simplyvegetarian777 #

    Great share :

    Liked by 1 person

    February 10, 2016
    Reply
  40. simplyvegetarian777 #

    🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    February 10, 2016
    Reply
  41. lindaravello #

    Wonderful post Lynz – let the pictures do the talking – I would call this ‘Full Circle’ xx

    Liked by 1 person

    February 10, 2016
    Reply
  42. mopana #

    Beautiful family ❤ Great photos, Lynz!

    Liked by 1 person

    February 10, 2016
    Reply
  43. willowdot21 #

    Beautiful family!

    Liked by 1 person

    February 10, 2016
    Reply
  44. Freda @ Aromatic essence #

    beautiful pictures! that small jar of nutella is so cute 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    February 10, 2016
    Reply
  45. Sadie's Nest #

    I’d be curious to hear some of their perspectives!

    Liked by 1 person

    February 11, 2016
    Reply
  46. sultanabun #

    Your children are very beautiful. They exude happiness.

    Liked by 1 person

    February 11, 2016
    Reply

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