Roll With the Punches

So much has happened since my last post. My son and I made a short visit to the states which didn't go as planned and ended quite rotten. School ended for the summer for my son. We adopted a kitten who was very young, so he's turned into my baby. My husband had sinus surgery. Recovery was much longer and more difficult than I anticipated. Egypt went through a coup. Ramadan came. Throughout most these events, unexpected things happened which really tested my patience. I'm a typical woman; I like to be in charge and feel like I have at least a little control of my life. You would think that by now I would realize there's really no such thing as planning my own life or being in charge. After all, doesn't the Quran say 'We plan and Allah plans, and Allah is the best of Planners.' Then why, when these unexpected and often not so pleasant events take place, do I stress out and get so upset?

It's a shame I can't be more like the Prophet, saw, and his companions and his wives. They seemed much more capable of dealing with surprises and hardships. He, saw, and his companions went through waaaay worse trials and struggles than me. It's really humbling and to be honest, a bit shameful and embarrassing, when I look back on the things that got me so upset and overwhelmed compared to what they went through. I suppose it's all relevant. I'm spoiled. I'm used to a fairly simple, easy existence. So at the first signs of difficulty it's my natural instinct to freak out a little. Even if it's only on the inside.

Anyway, I've decided I need to take a chill, and to work harder on going with the flow. Sometimes, it's just better to smile and nod, then to put up a fuss. And of course, I must increase my gratitude to Allah. After all, even in times of difficulty, I can always stop and think of hundreds of good things and blessing in my life. I used to be a 'glass half full' type of gal. Seems like lately it's all too easy for me to see that same glass half empty. Makes me sad. I suppose it's good that I can at least recognize this and seek to change it with Allah's help.

Here's to a new outlook. A Brighter perspective. More appreciation and thankfulness for all my blessings. Here's to rolling with the punches.

Roller coasters and onions

Recently I've really been focused on making my dreams and goals happen. It's not easy, but nothing worth anything is easy. I believe Allah makes things hard for a reason. If we got everything we wanted exactly the second we wanted it, then we wouldn't appreciate it or value it. So, the bigger the dream, the harder the journey to achieve it. But that's ok. It's like a roller coaster ride. The anticipation is immense. With each step you take closer and closer to entering the ride, you feel nervous and anxious and excited for what you know is about to happen. When you start going through the bends, hills, and tunnels, you are squealing from fear, euphoria, and enjoyment. At the end of the ride, you are relieved, happy, content and ready to either ride again, or ride something even bigger next time.
Going after your dreams and goals is also like pealing an onion. There are many layers, and the closer you get to the center, the more you are affected, often crying. After you're finished you're left with a few remaining stinging tears, but no worse off.



I look forward to the roller coaster ride ahead of me. I pray that Allah grants me success. I also pray that I'm graceful and appreciative of each step along the way, and that at the end I am wiser. Here's to the adventure!

Searching for the Silver Lining

Usually it's very easy for me to find the good in things. I'm almost always laid-back, easy-going, and stress-free. However, lately this isn't the case at all. For the past several days, the smallest things are really bothering me. I lose patience too easily. I am grumpy, irritated, frustrated and stressed. My poor husband and son are bearing the brunt of my lousy attitude. Poor guys! I've been trying very hard to turn myself around. But it's like Alice falling down the rabbit whole; once you start going, it seems impossible to get out.
I can justify my attitude all I want, and remind myself of all the recent events that have come along to put me in this foul mood. But what good will that do? Instead of focusing on the past, and on the negative, I'm trying to move forward and find those silver linings. This isn't proving to be a very easy task though. As the author, Stephen Richards, said: “The discontent and frustration that you feel is entirely your own creation.” It's all about how you view things. My pessimism is growing old; time for a shot of optimism, QUICK!

Thankful and Blessed

Today was an enjoyable day. I went with my son, husband, and husband's friend to the pyramids. It was the first time my son had gone, so it was fun to watch his expressions as he stood in the shadows of such amazing architecture. He and my husband rode a camel. He LOVED it! We went inside the medium pyramid which was quite an experience. Walking hunched down with your feet side-ways as you move through the continually shrinking tunnel isn't very easy to do, and definitely not graceful at all. I was so focused on where to put my feet, that I wasn't paying attention above me. Everyone had quite a big laugh at my expense when I walked hunch-back style, ducking my head to avoid hitting it, all the while, the tunnel had opened and I was able to walk upright. Eventually my husband had mercy on me and said 'stand up.' I'm sure I was quite a sight.

After the pyramids, we went to donate some time to the charity Support 4 Syrian Refugees in Egypt, as we do every Friday. (I'll intro this charity really quickly.) An Egyptian woman named Madame Nadia graciously turned her home into an office and drop-off spot for donations for Syrians in her city of 6th of October, Egypt. Syrian families go to her to be registered, then she helps them with such things as diapers, soap, pots/pans, food, blankets, hot water heaters, gas tanks to cook, electric cook-tops, clothes, medicine, etc. She also helps men find jobs, and families find housing. There are about 550 households registered. (There are often 2, sometimes 3 or more families in one household.)

Anyway, we've been doing this for 3 weeks now, visiting lots of families to assess their needs. Today we went to the home of a woman with 2 surviving children. En route fleeing their country their car was shot at. One son was killed. Her other son was severely wounded. He was disemboweled. They had to remove 3 ribs, and some of his intestines. Her husband was paralyzed and unable to accompany his family to Egypt. He is currently in a hospital in Syria. You could see the pain, sadness, and worry in her eyes.

It's always very humbling to enter homes where there are flimsy mattresses on the floor, one pot, no utensils, only the clothes on their backs, and if they are lucky a blanket. Every time I return home from volunteering I look around my house and feel a bit ashamed at all I have. Allah has blessed me! It's easy to forget or take for granted all you have until you are reminded by those who have nothing.


My bright spot in the day was the ability to visit the pyramids with my family and to have a safe, secure and luxurious home to return to. I thank Allah for blessing me with worldly possessions and I thank Him for granting me the opportunity to help those in need.