and I am alone in this apartment. Thousands of kilometres away from family, and another missed birthday celebration ( Read more... )

After months of pre-planning, replanning and unplanning,
It finally made landfall on Thursday and I could not be anymore relieved. 

I am in my third school year here at DAS. I have learned a lot, experienced and felt a range of emotions - from coping with losses to quiet victories that make my heart smile. I have travelled - walked on different lands, allowed myself to explore and get lost. For everything, I say alhamdullilah. Praise be to Allah SWT who saw me lost, guided me ( Read more... )

and wonder if we're looking at the same stars and smiling in awe at the rising moon.
But I know with certainty that my Lord knows -
He knows how I miss you terribly everyday you are not here with me.

There must be something in this distance that I must learn.

Most of the time, my heart takes a while to catch up with what my brain already knows.
But this time? This time it's different.
My brain is taking a little longer to understand what my heart is already certain of.

I write because I need to remember all of it.
One day when my mind begins to fade, I will be able to remind myself that the ride has been worthwhile.
Above all, I hope to always remember what love feels like.

It's been about a month back here in Dhahran. Getting into the groove of things and finding opportunities for growth. This year, I am teaching Grade 5 - much to look forward to and learn. Well I suppose I will be learning the curriculum as I am teaching it to the girls. Oh boy ( Read more... )

When you're the dependable one, it is in nature's way to make your reliability known.
And this automatically attracts the ones who need you.
It's a heavy gift, I know.

Today I woke up to a news that was not to my favour. I remember thinking as the email was opening that I'd say alhamdullilah regardless. And I did - with faith and understanding that what Allah SWT has planned for me is truly the best thing for me. I was not disappointed, nor was I upset. 

The afternoon was spent browsing through the Namdaemun market before heading to Itaewon for iftar. The Halal Guys was good and I quite enjoy the meal. Then, Rian and I trekked up the very uphill incline to where the Seoul Central Mosque sits. There is tranquility in congregrational night prayer. May Allah SWT accept our ibadah and duas this Ramadan ( Read more... )