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.