Selamat Ramadan

Last Thursday began the month of Ramadan in the Islamic calendar. Muslims have a totally different yearly calendar from what we are used to (and even are in a different year according to how they decide time). During the month of Ramadan Muslims are required to fast from sunrise to sunset. I was sort of having a conversation with my helper on Saturday, between my little Indonesian and her little English, I learned that she woke up at 2 am that morning to start her day. During Ramadan she will wake up really early to get up, get ready for the day, and cook her family a big meal. They have to finish eating before the morning Call to Prayer starts around 4:30 am. Then they will go all day without eating until the sunsets at 6 pm, when they break fast. They will do this all month (28 days), with an emphasis on prayer and petitioning God for his blessing and favor.


As is tradition we gave our helper some gifts at the start of Ramadan (seen above). Mostly practical things that she can use to cook with throughout the month. As well as extra money in addition to her monthly salary. It's tradition that a helper would get a whole extra months salary at the start of Ramadan. She was so thankful for all of this.