In The Neighborhood - NEC and AMH

It has been a while since I've consistently written, so here's a quick update.  I'm now the principal at Al Raja School, where Alison and I have been involved since we first met.  There are lots of fantastic perks, but one of them is that we have moved into the house designated for the principal - more pictures later. 

The house is in the center of Manama, which means a completely new neighborhood (actually, it's the neighborhood that Alison lived in when she first moved here, so its a bit of a homecoming for us).  Traffic is heavier, but there is lots within walking distance. 

One of my favorite landmarks is just across the street from us - the American Mission Hospital (AMH) and the National Evangelical Church (NEC).  Both of those institutions are sister institutions of Al Raja School.  All three were started by Reformed Church of America missionaries in the late 1800's or early 1900's.  Al Raja was started in 1899, the church in 1906, and the hospital in 1902.  They all leave a legacy that is respected by Bahrainis and expatriates. 

A panoramic shot of the church (center left) and the hospital (right).  Our house is on the far, far left, behind the trees.

The hospital is special to us as it is the place that both of our children were born.  When you enter the lobby of the hospital, the walls are filled with pictures of doctors and patients from across the century - including members of the royal family that were born at the hospital.  

Entrance to the hospital.  The brown structures are "mushrabiyyas", traditional Bahraini  architecture.  Most likely, they were intended to keep out the harsh, summer sun while still letting the breeze through. 

The pedestrian bridge that connects the two main hospital buildings.  Eva likes to watch the cars  from the bridge. 

The church is also special to us because we still retain a lot of friendships from there.  Alison attended the NEC when she first arrived, until I stole her away to Saar Fellowship, where we currently attend.  Beyond the personal links, there are a variety of language congregations. 

This tower with the clock has been a fixture of Manama for over a century, and is recognizable to many people. 

We are excited to continue our involvement - however small - with both of these communities, and consider it an honor to be here.