Last night I looked at my blogger stats, and stumbled across a very surprising item:
The vast majority of visits to my blog came from the USA. This is not the surprise. Second place went to Saudi Arabia. Surprise! It is 100% true.
Why? Who in Saudi Arabia would be reading my insignificant little blog? Besides, I write it from left to right.
I don’t even know that much about Saudi Arabia. I do know that they used to be the Ottoman Empire, which gives it a relaxed, comfortable feel. I also know that they are uber-rich because they own and control most of the oil in the world. I also know they are having their own internal struggles, because eventually, everyone wants freedom.
But who would be reading my blog in Saudi Arabia? I’ve given it some thought, and decided to send a message to any of several possibilities:
1) If you are a Mullah, I want you to know that I will never include any cartoon images of Muhammad on this blog, so please don’t burn my house down and/or kill me. I also want you to know that I admire the fact that you pray (perform the Salah) five times a day. You’ve got me beat. If I count dinner, I can sometimes hit three. Also, I know that the true Gospel is on the earth, but it doesn’t start with “M” and rhyme with “Buzlim”.
2) If you are an OPEC Delegate, I need you to know that a lot of us Mormons tend to drive vehicles that can accommodate children. Lots of children. Suburbans, Tahoes, minivans, etc. We would consider it a great kindness if you would help us fill our tanks for something less that $100 a shot. For heaven’s sake, (can I say that?) you guys are paying 91¢ a gallon over there. How about turning those pumps up a bit?
3) If you are US Military stationed in the MIddle-East, then know that we love you and are proud of you. Keep up the good work, and if you can, send me an email (redacted of course) letting me know who you are, and I’ll give you a shout-out on the blog. middleagedman@gmail.com Godspeed.
4) If you are a Church members living in Saudi Arabia – for whatever reason – and you stumbled across my blog, then know from the bottom of my heart that I am glad I am not there with you. Please let me know who you are, but try and keep it to small groups in your home. Drop me a line at middleagedman@gmail.com But if it might result in your death, feel free to keep it under wraps.
I have a sudden hankering for falafel.
I have a faithful following in the UAE (those I understand since a friend teaches there), Thailand, Zimbabwe, India, Russia and Uzbekastan. Like at least 500 hits since my blog started in February.
Until a week ago, I had 15 hits from China. I just double checked (gotta be accurate) and am now at 632 page views from China, in one week. Like you, I have no idea if it is good or bad. I can kind of follow them to lots of different posts, about 25% on the “Mormon Moment” or “My Mormon Perspective” series. Still, it is one of those curiouser and curiouser things, isn’t it?
وأنا أيضا رجل المورمون، ولكن ليس في منتصف العمر
I read from Afghanistan. I am not sure where the e-mails are routed through, could be anywhere. I enjoy reading your blogs. Thanks!
Awesome!
. . . and are you LDS or local? . . . both fascinated and interested in your answer . . . with hopefully more detail . .
(am a kiwi living in korea)
Lissa
I am LDS working abroad in Afghanistan for about a year. I have also spent some time in Korea a couple of times. I really enjoyed the parts that I visited there and would love to go back again.
Laughing my head off right now…
Amy: That just sent a shiver down my spine. Please don’t start singing it.
It is becoming a small world after all!
K- I got Mecca lecca High Mecca Hiney Ho! stuck in my head, it’s very familar but can’t think of why?? HELP!
….5 min. later. I googled it, It’s off of Pee Wee’s Play house. Now I’ll be able to sleep tonite.
Good Luck with the Stalking Mystery!