Day 10 - Reflections Jan 21

Today was a day of reflection for both Kelly and I. Tomorrow we leave KAUST to return home. Changed, for the better. To start, I'll quote King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.

__________________________
The Holy Quran states, "Say thou how would those who know would be equal to those who do not know?" This sound principle exalts the place of knowledge as the ultimate tool for enlightenment and exhorts all human beings to gain knowledge.

The Prophet also said, "The most righteous of people is the one who brings the greater good to the community." Because of this, the most beneficial of all deeds is one that continues to bear fruit for generations to come. Waqf (endowment) has been an essential component in the building of Islamic civilization.

Wishing to rekindle and spread the great and noble virtue of learning that has marked the Arab and Muslim worlds in earlier times, I am establishing King Abdullah University of Science and Technology on the Red Sea in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

As a new "House of Wisdom," the University shall be a beacon for peace, hope, and reconciliation and shall serve the people of the Kingdom and benefit all the peoples of the world in keeping with the teachings of the Holy Quran, which explains that God created mankind in order for us to come to know each other.
__________________________

I also found KAUST's values statement insightful:

Members of the University community are committed to the values of achievement, passion, inspiration, diversity, openness and integrity. At all times, KAUST community members need to behave in ways that uphold these values, both as individuals and as representatives of the University.

• Achievement: Determination to advance science and engineering for the welfare of all mankind.
• Passion: Pursuit of the KAUST mission with enthusiasm and confidence and seeking individuals who share that passion.
• Inspiration: Commitment to stimulate inspiration and celebrate those with the ability to inspire others.
• Diversity: Collaboration among scientists, researchers, and students from different disciplines, nationalities, and cultural backgrounds.
• Openness: Openness which allows students and faculty to think clearly, study freely, and examine complex problems though the clear light of reason
• Integrity: Commitment to uphold the highest standards of moral, ethical, and professional conduct.
• Citizenship: Be a good neighbor and strive to make a positive impact on the University’s surroundings.

Thus the Beacon plays an important role.

_________________________

This morning Kelly and I had a chance to reflect with Kyle before he headed off to work. He and Bridgette have many decisions to make in the next six months. Where to live? Continue with his studies in a Phd program? Where to study? Where to work? What field to persue? How to make if work? How to balance his faith, family, education, money, etc.?
We of course had all the answers. Not! But we did encourage him knowing that after thoughtful prayer and discussion he and Bridgette will flourish.

The King's message from the Holy Quran was that God created mankind in order for us to come to know each other. That surely has been accomplished at KAUST. There are more places at KAUST to congregate and discuss life, science, politics, etc. than any place I've ever seen or heard of.

Later, after a little (lot) of AHC prep for classes next week, Kelly and I walked a different part of campus (Safaa Island neighborhood along the Red Sea coast) where we encountered very large homes (like the one below) reserved for faculty and administrators.

Faculty Housing

We then headed over to the main dining area to enjoy our last "meal deal" sitting at the base of the Sea Steps overlooking the Beacon, Yacht Club, Red Sea, and the library.

Sea Steps to the Beacon to the Red Sea

Over lunch and a casual walk our conversation ranged from the cultures which we experienced, the hospitality we were provided, the educational opportunities available at KAUST, and the food we tasted. I recalled a chat we had with a friend and fellow student of Kyle's from Tunisia. He was so excited about his opportunities at KAUST and the hopes he had for his country. In his words he described how the Arab spring began with his country and how the people rose up to expel their dictator. However, democracy had led to elections where a majority of the country's new leaders (and their people) chose a more Islamic and traditional way of life. Women who for years went without Abayas now were told to cover up. Along with other limitations on their choices the Tunisians got their freedoms but lost some as well.
In the end, and after this great experience, I came away with a better appreciation of our life in America and, while it is not perfect, does seem to provide opportunities for all and a life I'm glad I can live. I encourage you all to travel and experience different ways of life and different cultures. We had not really done this before but will be doing much more over the coming years.

Later today, Osama, Kyle's fellow ME student, is taking us on a tour of the Grand Mosque at KAUST. See additional post.

Thanks for listening (reading).

Glenn