craving: a nice evening with my loved ones
salam Alikom (Peace be with you) to all my Muslim readers and Hello to all my non-muslim readers....
The weekend has started in the Middle East. Time to relax with family. I always look forward to Thursdays, especially since it means I get to spend time with my loved ones. It makes me happy and I feel like I am on cloud 9. I was at one of my best friends yesterday and when driving back home I was at a stop light and I passed the Singaporean embassy.I told my daughter, "Hey! I am sure the American Embassy is around here." So, here we go looking for it. I was totally lost. How do you get lost on a small island? Believe me, you do if you don't know the area. Thank God I didn't panic like I did a year before. I had just started driving in UAE and I didn't know the way around. No tears last night, I was confident I would get outta there. I did. Pheww..
Anyways, back to the American Embassy. As I was driving to find it, I looked around and we were driving down some back streets. It looked like a really nice place and had so many trees, I thought I was back in TEXAS. You usually just see tons of palm trees here in UAE, not other kinds. But there were so many other kind of trees. If I pretended to be in TEXAS, it would of worked. As I drove and drove the trees started becoming palm trees. I snapped back into reality. Just for that moment, a part of UAE could of passed for my back yard in Texas. I just had to have the Tejano music going and country music blaring and it would of worked.
Isn't it funny how much life changes? We grow up and move on and go places we had no idea about. I never thought in a million years I would be moving to the Middle East, married to a man of another culture and living my life away from the ones I love. No siree, I didn't think this. But, here I am happy as ever. Living a life that's so different than I lived in Texas. Do I like it? Heck ya, I do. I have to say, I love all the opportunists I have to meet so many people from all over the world. It's awesome. I've met more people here in the years I've lived away from Texas, than in my life. It's really exciting to met different cultures. Shows that you're not the only culture in this world. Me being Mexican/American and the majority in Texas, I was a tiny bit spoiled. However, when we went out of Texas, I saw the real life. I realized what life's about. It's a cruel world out there. But, I would do it again in a heart beat. I wouldn't change a thing. Not a thing.
I like my simple, but interesting life here in UAE. I often think what I would be doing back in Texas and not married to my soul mate. I can tell you what I might of been doing now. I would of been working my bum off and trying to make ends meet. Paying a mortgage and car payment that's over my head and living my life like a robot. Of course this is the will of God that I am here. Alhamdulilah (Thank you God) I am blessed to be Muslim and be married to a Muslim man.
Women have so many rights in Islam. We're simply blessed. Rewind back to the American Embassy, I wanted to take a picture of the American Flag, but after we didn't find it, I was happy- happy that I didn't find it. I don't need to take a picture of the American flag (Wish they had the TEXAS flag) to remember where I came from. It's always going to be in my heart. I love my America, but not as much as UAE.
Final Whisper: Wafa said; home is where the heart is and your heart is with your husband and family. So, there you are.
I couldn't agree with you more, Wafa.
Please go visit, Wafa's blog. It's awesome.
25 comments:
Heey Habibtii, have a nice weekend, im so happy to have caught you online today, a lovely happy post, today, inshalla one day u can go back tot exas and have a great time
xx
naz
As salaamu alaikum dear Sis! Good to hear from you :-) - You know, I have the same feeling to an extent (though this post made me feel more homesick, since I still make my home in the US); I never thought I would be living/studying in Central Europe, in an ex-communist nation. It's funny, when I used to listen to the BBC on the radio or read in the newspaper, I used to have a fascination with Prague, both the word and place. I thought, "That is one city I will never be able to go to, though I hear it's beautiful . . "
Then - poof! - July 2005 - I find out I was admitted to the medical school here. Crazy! haha. Yes, I had a family member here (a 2nd cousin, but of course, family is family) that I had never met who gave advice and I knew that I would have some support, both emotional and physical, plus, if I ever needed more familiar surroundings, both place and person-wise - I could take a quick trip and go to London and visit mom's sister and her son, that I've known since I was little.
It's so true as well - I would have never been able to meet the mix of people (my classmates and the locals) if I were studying in the US. Also, I think there was a greater purpose for me to be so far away and to face multiple changes in one go - the skills I've learned here will serve me for the rest of my life. Yes, of course, I am getting an education that will, insha'allah, provide the source of my earnings, etc. Also though, just learning to handle things on my own, when even some other family members thought I would struggle, as I have been spoiled (to the core!) by my parents, as with their hard work, we were given so many things that they sacrificed for and we got to enjoy without any effort. Of course, there comes a time in life when we all have to sacrifce to have comfort later.
I feel so happy knowing that you have your family and life there - and most of all that you are happy and thankful for what you have. Ma'sha'allah, it's really great to see and it really shows through your words here. I almost want to come over there and just give you a big high five/hug or something - as your little bro of course, forgive me, but I am the affectionate kind of guy - I mean it in the warmest/halal manner. I guess I'll just have to hug my laptop for now! heehee.
Even though you have your immediate family with you and I'm on my own, it's still comforting to hear your words. So thanks so much Sis! I wish you continued happiness, joy, bliss. As salaamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu to you, my Bro and that gem that is your daughter and your loved ones there.
- Br. MF
God bless you sweety :)
I'm really overwhelmed by the overjoy im feeling right now for knowing your point of view of Islam and for having you among us :D
P.S. i'm from Kuwait :)
Alhamdulilah for everything sis. Your post really made me smile. InshAllah you do get to visit Texas one day, hopefully. Its a part of you, embrace it :)
Stay smiling!
Lovely pictures btw :)
awwww thanks a lot dear for the lovley words :)
We say the world works in a mesterious way. or in other words ( Allah have a great life for us if we just listen and obey ). We sometimes think that we know better and we insisted on living in places we love or around people we love. not knowing what's waiting for us IF we just let it happen .
I hope you have a great weekend xx
Our weekend here in Saudi is almost over, bummer.
Reading this piece made me smile. Another person has yet witnessed the truth. I always say that everything happens for a reason and its ALWAYS a good reason. It just helps get me through the day!
Very warm, keep them coming...
I really liked this post hun cos I totally understand! I pretty much grew up in 2 countries. While my family prefers me to be in Malaysia, I just can't see myself living there for good. Well, maybe this is how I feel right now.
But as you said, home is where your husband and kids are. It was an easy choice for you to make. There are days when I wonder if I should appease my family or trust my own judgement. In the end I decided to keep on keeping on and trust in the fact that Allah knows and He already has a path for me.
Btw hun you were tagged here =) http://thelostdiaryofashee.blogspot.com/2010/04/in-my-bag-tag.html
Hmm, your weekend starts on Thursday? Lucky, LOL. I loved chatting with you the other day...I'm already so confused as to whether I should say it was yesterday or last night or what...since we are in completely different time zones LOL...
Loved the Liar Liar Pants on Fire post...haha! I just know that they are completely responsible for what happens in their lives...they might think lying is getting them somewhere, but it's getting them nowhere.
;)
Alhamdulillah for everything !
I'm glad you didn't find it too ;) I think it shows you something big. you don't NEED it.
we all miss "home" and family now and then, its normal. But its great we know where our HOME is now!
And your right about the life. I can't even imagine how my life would be there. Like you said, just completely different.
Hey Sis - thought you might be interesting in this, if you havne't already heard about it - (Texas looks to rewrite history - a report by Al Jazeera) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M0ZgTLZ0oBI&playnext_from=TL&videos=zmQqh5hA9_o&feature=sub
I honestly just love your blog. The way you write is simply beautiful and inspiring.
Living in a country and among a culture that is so different from your own must be really difficult, nonetheless interesting. I'm really impressed because I don't think that anyone is capable of doing what you have done. It takes a person with a very open mind, and determination to accept it the same way you have.
Hope that you had a nice weekend with your family and friends. ^^
Walaikum Salam...I hope you are having an amazing weekend...I have to respond to the other posts as soon as I get some sitting time...
Love KAsey
Could not agree more sweetheart; life has this habit of surprising you all the time. You have always been destined for this life sweetie, that has been decided for you even before you were born. It is comforting to know this and believe in it, that is why I always remind myself that whatever happens to me will surely be my destiny and what I am supposed to be having in life.
Love you
Hugs and kisses
Aww mashallah this is an amazing post. Just getting back from Umrah, I know truly understand how wonderful it is to be in a Muslim country. It was so amazing, I really didn't want to leave. It was so nice to wake up to the adhan in the morning. Now it feels weird to be back in America.
Oh, I'm glad you stumbled upon my blog--so I could check out yours!
I like it; it's so interesting!
essalam alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh sister,
i miss home so bad sometimes i just want to cry and sleep all day long... i live in the middle of the desert, i miss the usa so much!
Assalamu alaikum my darling sugar-pie with whipped cream topping :)
SubhanAllah, this post really moved me. I could take all the places where you refer to Texas and UAE and swap with my motherland and my adopted country and there it is, your words speaking of my life :) MashAllah, I agree completely with what Miss Dreamer said about you being meant to live the life in UAE and loving your life with your loved ones.
Miss you, and remembering you in my duas.
**HUGS**
Salaam sister
I just wanted to say thank you for as a follower 2 my blogger, alhamdulilah
Allah swt bless u!
Sorry so late on the comments, everyone. I had a really nice busy weekend. :D I hope everyone else had a lovely weekend too.
Hijabis, It was really nice talking to you! I enjoyed it. We must do it again soonish. (((hugs))))
Muslim First brother, It's funny how we don't know what life has in store for us. But, at the end of the day, we must accept the will of Allah. It's always for the best. May Allah help you in your studies ameen I hope you had a lovely weekend, aside from studying.
crazyyetwise, welcome to my blog. (((hugs))) It was nice getting in touch with you and yet again, making a new special friend. Thanks for all the lovely comments on my posts. I so enjoyed them all. I love your blog! it's awesome! we have a lot in common.
[[[ x Smiley . ]]] I am happy I made you smile. That's my goal. Making people happy, in turn, it makes me happy. (((hugs))) Insha'a'Allah when it's the right time I'll visit Texas. Until then, I'll live my life happily. (((hugs)))
Wafa', No problemo wafa... I like that saying! a lot. I love the way you think! that's what attracts me to your blog! you have a mind on you. (((hugs))) Thanks for always giving us, words of wisdom! they do help.
Bliss, I miss you! When does y'all's weekend start? I thought it was the same as UAE? I hope you had a lovely weekend. (((hugs)))
junky4words, Thanks! hon! keep your lovely comments coming! They make me, smile.. :D
Shahirah Elaiza, Hey! beautiful! right now your going thorough a lot. Go where your heart takes you. If you feel comfy there, stay there. IF you wanna go back to Malay, go back. But, I think your doing just fine. Embrace what you have. I have faith in you! You're awesome!!!!
Yes, in fact! I put that on msu! did you see?
Erika, We're ten hours ahead of y'all! So, when it's the 10th there, at midnight here, it's the 11th. :D (((hugs))) seen on msu you posted a 365! I can't wait!!!
Om A, Thanks for your words. They're always so nice! call you back after I am done here.
MuslimFirst, I watched that the other day. Thanks!!! it's very interesting! I still say, Texas should be a country of it's own! it's awesomely big! LOL
silverleafwhisper, Thanks sis! I Love yours too. It's magnificent! Yep, you totally have to have a open mind to do what me and my friends have done. It's hard at time. The times it's hard is, when you just wanna sit with your family and chat (in person) that makes it difficult. God knows, so many times that happens to me. My mothers words always ring in my ear. She's was a smart cookie. Go with your husband and your family is with your husband. That's enough for me. :) (((hugs))) I'll be reading your blog, as soon as I stop being so busy.
Um Khaled, We had a really busy weekend and it was amazing! as always. As long as I spend it with my family. :D Sorry didn't call you back last night. My hubby came home and we spent the evening playing with Azooz in his room. We got him some new books! yesterday! He was a happy camper. :D :D :D
Miss Dreamer, Ahhhhh I have to email you back!!!!! I've totally been a slacker! I haven't even responded to any blogs. Ekkk. Your words are always so awesome! I love you. Ahhh and today is your special day!!! wait for my email!!! (((Hugs)))
Saraaaaaaaaaaaaaaa. Masha'a'Allah I pray your Umrah was nice! may Allah accept your Umrah ameen.. Yes, the advantage to living in a muslim country is hearing the beautiful adthan 5 times a day. (((hugs))))
Under Uroob'a Umbrella, welcome sweetie, I am happy you got a chance to come read my part of the world. Insha'a'Allah! we'll see you around! don't be a stranger.
Jennifer, WA alikom salam I am sure it's hard living the life you life, especially if you're not used to it. You don't have friends? that's really hard. I pray that Allah sends you really good friends and that it's easy for you. You're gonna have to tell your story! I would love to hear it. MSU is waiting for you.
pancake, LOL wa alikom salam my dear pancake. I know who you are.. LOL you made me laugh when I read this. I miss you and hope that you and your family are well.
Your words are always so inspiring. email me! let me know how you and the kids are. (((hugs)))) don't be a stranger!
Love_Allah, I love your blog as well, masha'a'Allah. Allah bless you and welcome to my part of the world!
Salaam
Jaka'Allah khairu sister for your kindly comment! Im happy im part of ur world, u can give me feedback about my YouTube videos insha'Allah
<3
Oh thanks for that clearing that up for me ;)
I'm so excited for my 365 project, too! I'm not a good photographer, but this is still super fun!! :DD And I am completely L-O-V-I-N-G MSU...THANK YOU SO MUCH for inviting me! :)
oh wow @ you loving uae more than the USA now--that is good MashaAllah that you are loving it here :)
hmmm for me, I would have to say I still love the USA just as much as UAE, just UAE is my new "home" Alhamdulillah :D
ahhhhh I can't wait to go back to visit inshaAllah!!
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