Citizens of the World

I sat late last night, pondering my situation as I prepared for year long trip to Senegal beginning about one month from now insha'Allah. I am very excited about the move, especially as it gets closer, and realized that I have changed so radically as a person from who I was before I became Muslim, that at times I do not recognize myself. I thank Allah for that, and then my husband, for he has been the person in my life who has made these things possible, having given his money and his time and his love so his family might have the best of opportunities.

I believe other Americans might think it strange that I love Senegal so much that I am willing to bring 5 young children there for that length of time, and then I came to understand what it means to be a citizen of the world. I have been across this country and back, spent two months in Morocco visiting various cities, 6 weeks in Senegal, and 3 weeks in Saudi Arabia. Each place had its own unique set of characteristics, scents (some good, some bad), languages, colors, weather and so on. Each brought a unique blessing to my life, each visit brought me closer to Allah in a special way.

I know I have not traveled all of the world, that there are millions of places left to visit, and I may never get to them all. But having been where I have been has made me understand and love the people of this world in a way I never have before. I am a citizen of the United States. Born and raised in middle class New England, a Yankee and a Democrat :). But I know and love a world outside of this. I believe I can have a wonderful life no matter where I live...even if there isn't a Walmart in the country. I am blessed to be able to bring some of the comforts of home with me, but I know that even if I could not, I would find what I need waiting for me wherever I go, for Allah is everywhere.

And so I feel that now I am more a citizen of the world, than I am of just my nation. I do not look at what is best for society in terms of what is best for America, but in terms of what is best for all people, for I love them like they are my family. I pray one day I will be a better helper to the people, that I can make a difference in the lives of those who are suffering. I pray Allah will give me that ability, to truly be an example, a helper, a reflection of the light of our Prophet (saws), and not to depart this earth leaving nothing but a footprint of waste and destruction. I also pray that this experience will make my children citizens of the world one day, that they will pray for and achieve the best one can in this life, and that they will also love and appreciate the people and places on this planet as much as I have come to and more.

Required Update :)

My fellow blogger friend, and sister in tariqa, has informed me that it is improper blog etiquette :) to not update my blog at least once a month...and so this is my situation these days in brief:

Insha'Allah we are heading to Senegal in about a month, where I intend to stay with my five children for one year. My husband will return after two weeks, and then visit every 4-5 months, which is easy for him given his career is in academics. As you can imagine, getting ready for such a journey can be stressful in many ways. I have never fully relocated to a different country, although I have very much enjoyed visiting different places over the last few summers. Being apart from my husband is of course a major concern, but after 15 years of marriage, I think we can handle it :). My biggest challenge will be to keep my spirits up, as if he knows that we are happy and doing well, he is less likely to become depressed himself.

We will all be attending a Qur'an school there insha'Allah, along with various other studies, for me most likely in tasawwuf, and the children in all necessary subjects from pre-K to grade 7. So that ought to keep us busy!! I do love living in Africa, and love the challenge of a new environment where one cannot just satisfy any material need with a quick run to Walmart. It is a lot of fun to get creative with simple things which are available in order to make life a little easier. The people are wonderful, the food is great, and an escape from the rush of life in America is best of all...that is best symbolized by nights on the roof, in prayer under the ocean of the sky.

So I am focusing on that right now, trying to be as best prepared as I can both to leave the home and finances in the hands of my husband, and to have what we need while we are there. Of course the main thing I am praying for is that the children will love their first year in a Muslim country, that their learning of the Qur'an will be something that touches their heart for many years to come, and that we all will come back wiser and more in touch with what our purpose is here within the dunya on every level.