Surreal and scary.
That’s as it is for me – and so, so many others – living in Doha, Qatar, in the Middle East right now as I share what day-to-day life is like presently.
I do so in my personal capacity – as just one of the 3 million people who live in Qatar, and the additional 8000 stranded airline passengers presently hunkering down while the skies above are filled with the tools of war.
And, I share these insights by way of answering the many messages and questions from anxious family and friends as to our safety.
We are safe – for now.
For this, to quote the media, is a “developing story”. The situation remains fluid. It can, as we have come to appreciate, change in a heartbeat.
As newshounds, we knew the likelihood of conflict in the Middle East was increasing. But you never think it is going to happen. You mentally will it away.
If the breaking news of Israel’s attack on Iran on the telly on the morning of 28 February wasn’t sobering enough, the initial volley of missiles intercepted above us in Doha was terrifying – and surreal.
We’re in a war.
And four days in (3 March), it still feels incredulous.
Before the missiles
I mean, just two days before the attack on Qatar and its neighbouring Gulf states, I had attended a Ramadan suhoor celebration with more than 1000 others of differing nationalities and faiths. I remember thinking at the time, how wonderful is this.
This is what life should be like – a world in which everyone is respected and embraced, regardless of their ethnicity, faith or culture.
There were seven at our table, with 11 passports between us. I was the only English first- language speaker, but this mattered not a jot. We were having fun. Eating, laughing and learning about each other’s lives. Life was good.
Day 1: 65 missiles
And then Saturday (28 February) happened.
First the breaking news on Al Jazeera English, and within an hour, our first big boom.
We experienced missile attacks twice last year – the first when Iran targeted the same US airbase, Al Udeid, on 24 June, and the second on 9 September, when the Israelis sought to kill Hamas leaders in a house not 10km from our own home.
Both shocking events were over within a day. It was as if they had never happened. Life resumed as before.
But this time I sense it’s going to be different. (For a synopsis on how Qatar and the other Gulf countries are embroiled in a war that is not theirs, please go to Al Jazeera).
65 missiles were blasted at us on day one, 63 of which were thankfully intercepted by the Qatari military. You only learn this later.
We felt and heard them all – some closer than others, but all frightening and other-worldly. When brave enough to look outside, we saw some in the night sky, too.
I monitored the missiles, mainly to give me something on which to focus, amid the family WhatsApp messages and personal internal turmoil, as captured below:
12.30pm – 3
12.33pm – 2
12.34pm – 2 and so it went on throughout the day, with no obvious pattern.
By this time, Bahrain’s naval base had been hit, the UAE, Kuwait and Saudi were fending off missiles too, and we’d received two official Qatari emergency warnings (loud enough to send you into orbit, too.)
Social media posts of the missile debris go viral, like the one of falling debris that burst into flames.
And, just as I trying to sleep, another loud volley of sonic booms around 11.20pm.
The aftershocks shake the windows and house and reverberates right through you. And you’re wide awake all over again.
All our senses are heightened.
Day 2: From shock to taking stock – and a stranded Kiwi couple
We rose from a sleepless night to the news that Iran’s Supreme leader, the Ayatollah Khamenei has been killed.
And then two big sonic booms.
So, no quick resolution to this conflict then.
But taking in a missionary couple stranded in transit in Doha, one of the world’s biggest aviation hubs, was an easy decision. It was the right thing to go even if they are All Black supporters!
(That’s another thing about navigating a crisis, you must maintain a sense of humour.)
By now – just 24 hours into the conflict – it was time to take stock and assess the way forward, while acknowledging the uncertainty, our hopes and obvious fears.
And so, the day unfolded something like this:
- Ayatollah’s death
- Fewer bombs or at least fewer heard. Learnt later that Qatari fighter jets are now trying to intercept missiles before they reach Qatar to eliminate falling debris. (16 injured, 1 seriously because of debris).
- Confirmation to work from home
- Mark gets results from doctor. Not cancerous, praise God!
- Meeting with SA Embassy to discuss possible evacuation measures for Saffas. Google form – location survey to developed and shared soonest.
- Casualty numbers rising across the Gulf (3 UAE, 200-plus Iran, including 126 schoolgirls, 1 Kuwait, Israel 11). Airspace still closed.
- Mark fetches Kiwi couple. Still in meeting with volunteer Saffa team and embassy when Rosie and Nathan arrive.
- Working on two work press releases but struggling to concentrate.
- Make soup; Mark puts on pizza for lunch and soup becomes supper along with fresh bread. No bread or meat for me. It’s Lent.
- Chat to Meg (our daughter) online. Still working at school in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
- Messages pour in as world awakes to what is happening in the ME
- Sneak out for a walk with phone at the ready, in case we need to sprint back
- Have an Arabic lesson – lesson 17 of 30. 10 minutes alone with teacher. I am not concentrating as hear more distant bombs. 2 others join and we learn about words that ask questions. (This is the stuff of rusty pins, Bev Erickson. Yes, I am mad).
- Soup for supper
- Mark has online church service (as service cannot take place – all public events suspended, including all Ramadan events).
- Watch news. And hubby doubly happy as Arsenal beat Chelsea 2 – 1. Earlier SA beat Zim T20.
- Remember to pay Julia. Julia paid.
So, there you have it, the normality and strangeness of it all.
Life goes on. Just as it did in the early days of lockdown during the coronavirus pandemic.
But we’re all a bit antsy, never quite knowing what to expect when.
Screen scene for information
The reality of the present uncertainty is not only playing out on our telly – to which we have been glued, but also on social media.
Be it the latest news, guidelines for navigating a war or escaping it, even though the airspace is still closed, or the fears and frustrations expressed via community WhatsApp groups, people are searching and sharing on their phones.
We all want guidance, assurance and escape.
Scrolling offers insights to it all.
Mothers seek advice on what to tell their children about the “big fireworks”; others fume about kids chasing about when they should be kept safe inside; shops tout their new 24/7 hours and warehouses show off their stock (to counter panic buying); new news outlets offer explainers, fact boxes and videos of the latest developments (the number of lives lost; the price of gas now; the next possible move by the US; the advances into Lebanon and on it goes); and there are even light-hearted memes and jokes to escape the present hard realities.
One post showed missile debris “for sale”. This is a humorous but possibly foolhardy move considering Qatar’s strict stance when it comes internal security. We may not circulate such information but are instructed report any such find or incident directly to the authorities.
By way of example, if you spot someone begging in Qatar you are expected to report it to the relevant authorities online.
I know, I know. Imagine this in South Africa.
Civic concern
One of positives to emerge at this time is the willingness to help.
When it comes South Africans, to quote a friend, “there’s nothing like a war or rugby to unite us”.
Saffas in Qatar are a lively lot and ever ready to help as evidenced by the SA Embassy in Qatar and one of the social media volunteer groups, South Africans in Doha.
They have been communicating with Saffas in the country and are presently gathering contact and location details in case the up to 4000 South Africans believed to be living here need to be evacuated.
Hotels are accommodating stranded passengers for free or at nominal prices; shop and delivery services are still operating and where possible, employees are working from home.
We asked via our compound’s WhatsApp group (a compound is like a townhouse complex), for example, if someone might be able to print travel documents for our Kiwi couple. Within minutes we received three positive responses.
This, as Nathan and Rosie prepare to leave the conflict zone – a scenario that must be playing out in umpteen different ways given that the majority of those who live here are ex-pats. The Qataris only make up 12% of the 3 million people who call Qatar home.
For our Kiwi couple, a driver, a flight and a bed for the night in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, have been sourced and secured – but at a price. The six-hour drive from Doha to Riyadh is going to set them back a quick R11 700 even before they consider the multiple flights needed to get from Riyadh to Auckland, New Zealand.
As for us, as we near the end of Day 4 without any daylight big booms thus far (but I am not holding my breath – which is just as well, because at 4.25pm there were two booms), we’re staying put, praying that sense will prevail and the growing conflict will soon end.
In the interim, please continue to hold the Middle East and all her people in your prayers.
There’s so much more I could share, but I will leave it there for now.
Please feel free to drop me questions. The more information we can share, hopefully the greater understanding and appreciation of what is happening here among ordinary people.
74 Responses
Praying for peace in the ME.
Stay safe Debbie
Debbie & Mark you are in my thoughts constantly- take care also sending love to you all xxx
Sending you love and prayers for peace in the ME🙏🏻🙏🏻
In my thoughts.
Thank you for sharing Debbie. We are praying for you, Mark and all in the Middle East. May wisdom and sense prevail. Much love ❤️
Dear Debbie and Mark, thanks for your blog. It gives such real heartfelt insights into feelings that fly around – almost in sink with the missiles- in contexts like the one you are in. Our prayers are for a quick resolution and lasting peace for communities to be rebuilt. May you both be protected and held close to the heart of Christ. You are loved. Rob and Gay
Thanks so much for sharing your real situation Debbie. This cannot be easy but we pray for a sense of calm and protection until this can be resolved. God bless and keep you both safe, Bev and Dave
Stay safe Debbie, tell the story.
Thoughts and prayers with you and all in the region who are being caught up in this senseless war caused by senseless individuals. Thank you for sharing. Much love.
What an insightful piece Debbie! So glad to hear you are safe and cheerful as ever. Thank you for this. I’ve been thinking of you so much since all this horror kicked off! Keep smiling! 🫶🏻😀 Love Lucille!
This can’t be easy for you both, crazy… sharing this really life situation with us that only know the booms of fireworks, can’t imagine how you must feel!
Stay safe! In our thoughts and prayers
Thanks for sharing
Wow… great (but unbelievable) write up on your current situation… hope your NZ guests make it home… and Inshalla you will be back to a normal life again soon.. thinking of you all there, but also thankful we are out of there!! Stay safe x
Stay safe, Debbie and Mark. Prayers go out to you and all in the conflict zone.
So pleased you are OK. Many thanks for details. Chin up! 🥰🥰
We pray for peace to return!!
Stay safe Debbie and Mark🙏 You guys are in our thoughts and prayers
Thank you for your amazing accounts of your personal experiences in the war zone. We pray for you and all the people who are living in snd through these challenging times. Peace be with you and Mark!🙏💙❤️✝️
Thanks for the news. You folk have been on my mind for days now. I cannot imagine from PE to a war zone. I was gonna say ” blows my mind”. Oops I said it. May His peace and grace abound. Blessings
Praying for peace Debs. Great news about Mark’s results
Profoundly scary – what a time to be in the Middle East! Stay safe and keep the faith. 🫣
Debbie dit is aaklig! Dit is moeilik om te verstaan hoe weerbaar mens voel wanneer jy nog nooit so iets ervaar het nie. Suid-Afrika het drama van hul eie maar ons is eintlik bederf met wat ons probleme is. Thinking and praying for your safety and perhaps safe passage home for you, Mark and Megan.
Another wonderful insightful and heartfelt blog. You bring living this stressful time to life. Thank you for sharing this….
Thinking of you both and thank you for sharing your thoughts and experiences
Thank you for sharing, Debbie. A burden shared is a burden halved. Sending love & prayers to you & Mark. Praying for your protection in the midst of war. May the ME come to know the Prince of Peace. Love & prayers, Cindy & Mark🙏💞
Thank you for sharing Debbie. Praying for safety for you, Mark and all in Qatar. Please keep us posted as you are able to.
Thank you so much for your thoughts and experiences during this time – may God continue to keep His hand of protection over you and Mark. Lots of love and uplifting you in prayer
Aaaah Debs and Mark, if this wasn’t real, it would almost be an exciting adventure you would be playing off in a Movie! Unfortunately reality is the watchword! My love and prayers are with ALL there as we watch with bated breath “what next”!
Praying for peace.
Thank you for sharing this, Debbie. You’re very much in our thoughts as you navigate such an uncertain and dangerous time. We sincerely hope your safety is protected and that this terrible conflict comes to an end sooner rather than later.
Thank you Debbie, grateful to receive detailed reports. Stay safe.
Thank you for sharing despite the turmoil, & may God bless & protect you through this horrible time for the Middle East
Thank you, Gillian. It is just so surreal – this new reality of ours.
Keeping you all in my prayers 🙏🏻🙏🏻
Thank you, Michelle. Your prayers are much appreciated.
Thank you for the update, Debbie. We continue to pray for peace and your safe keeping. 🙏🙏
Thank you, Ronel, your concern and prayers are much appreciated.
I’m an friend of Rosie and Nathan in the U.S. You all are in my prayers hour by hour, day by day. Thank you so much for caring for them. May God protect you and your neighbors. May he bring and end to this war and to all the strife that keeps people from loving one another.
Thank you, Amy, for your message. We are so grateful to learn that they have finally reached home – two weeks after they should have been there. We, too, pray that this madness will soon end.
Thanks Debbie for sharing with us what is happening where you and Mark are at. I’m amazed at that you are still able to collect your thoughts and chronicle the happenings of the past three days or so. I would be at wit’s end if I found myself in that situation. We will continue praying for you and the situation in the Middle East. God’s hand be over you and your family.
Dear Charles
Thank you so much for your message. Writing helps me try to make sense of all that is happening. Not that it makes any sense – what war ever did. In God we trust.
You continue to be in my thoughts and prayers. May God bring an end to this conflict.
Thank you, Ann. Your message is appreciated.
Thanks for your insights Debbie! Praying for a end to the war, as well as your and Mark’s safety 🤗💕🙏🏻 Sending much love 🥰
Thank you so much, Pru. Onwards and upwards. It is what it is and out of our control. We just trust in God and muddle our way through the new normal.
Thank you for the insights Debbie! And the slice of humour! Much needed in times like this! Stay safe and give our love to Markie Mark!
Humour is a much. It helps with our sanity. COVID taught us well – not least how to muddle through a new normal. Your concern is much appreciated.
Thinking of you, Debbie. May God’s protection be with you and your family, and all in the region.
Thank you, Isla. Onwards and upwards. Your concern is much appreciated. I trust you and yours are well.
Praying for a Godly intervention for speedy resolution.
Thank you for sharing. Stay safe you and your family are in our prayers Love Bev.
Bless you, Bev. Thank you for your concern and prayers.
Very well put, Debbie. Sending all my love to you and Mark, can’t wait to catch up once this has passed x
Love and hugs to you and Abdullahziz,too. Can you believe this is still ongoing? Stay safe.
Thank you, Debbie and Mark, from the bottom of my heart, for looking after my brother and sister-in-law. May God bless and protect you and your loved ones with the same generous measure (and more!) with which you have blessed others. Peace and good, Sarah
Hi Sarah
It was a pleasure to have Nathan and Rosie with us. We muddled our way through all that was unfolding around us. And it was a bonus whenever Nathan took to cooking in the kitchen. I am relieved they are safely home – what a marathon!
Will keep praying for your safety and hope this all ends soon
Bless you, Pat, for your prayers. This is much appreciated.
Gee Debs, it’s crazy! Thanks for sharing this – it was so insightful. Thinking of you and Mark – please take care.
Thanks, Bev. I hope you enjoyed the “rusty pins” mention! Onwards and upwards.
Thank you Debbie for this insight of what you are going through.How scary and worrying it must be.I pray that this awful situation in the ME will soon come to an end and you will all be kept safe.Thinking of you and Mark and all that are affected by this war.Take care.God Bless.Sending lots of love.
Bless you, Janet, for your love and care. In God with trust.
Hi Debbie, I had a moment with Fr Nizaam of St Mary Magdalene yesterday and he voiced his concern over Mark and yourself. I, in turn contacted Karen, because I know she has personal contact with you and she forwarded your update.
I can’t begin to imagine(except through reading your current experiences)what you going through and I’m sure it’s the scariest and most nerve wracking roller coaster feeling!
We are praying 🙏 for your continued safety and all those caught up in this and we know that God has His hand of protection over you.
Blessings and collective prayers being sent your way.
Dear Corinne
Thank you for reaching out. Your prayers are much appreciated. Things are still surreal. But we give thanks because we are far more fortunate than so many others across the region. My heart goes out to those in Lebanon, Iran and Israel who are presently under serious attack.
Courage and Prayers for you guys !!!
Thank you, Barry, your message is appreciated. I thought we’d seen it all in South Africa – Apartheid, Fees Must Fall, COVID. But missiles …
Praying for Peace and safety for all.
Thank you, Bella. We’re praying the madness will end soonest.
Special prayers for you all, scary stuff we are living in at the moment, hugs
Thank you, Bev. It’s still so surreal.
Praying for you both and an early end to this war.
Thank you, Eppity.
Thank you so much Debbie for your incisive reporting in the face of so much fear and uncertainty. Chris and I pray for peace and for protection for you both and your congregation. God Bless you with the assurance of His presence.