Somethings to do

Outdoor park near my house

Well another weekend has come and gone so quickly. The weekend being Thursday and Friday usually takes some getting used to coming from the US. Many of my friends say that even after years of being in Medina it still takes some getting used to. It always feels like the weekend when the kids some friends and I spent some time in Al Nur mall. Al Nur mall has many of the retail stores that you would find in the US. Familiar names as GAP, New York&Co, H&M and Aldo are through out this large bi-level mall. Of course there are other stores that are reflective of the Arab retail world where you can buy anything from an Abayah to household goods. Generally after Asr salah on the weekends the malls are very congested with a parking lot full of cars and teens roaming in and out of stores and hanging out in the food court. Everyone who needs to find anything from a new outfit or a wedding gift. But isn't that the case all over the world? Many people ask what are prices like ?Are clothes more expensive? My answer is honestly I do not see a great difference in the cost. If I purchase a long skirt for $100SR at the current rate of money now that equates to approx. $26.66USD this is a great deal in my opinion. Some items that I would find very difficult to find in the US like a long skirt without a high split or a split at all is very easy here. Yesterday the mall was having some small sales offering 10% off as we all know is not much help in these economic times. But all in all we enjoyed ourselves munching on fries from KFC, sipping milkshakes and watching the kids on the rides. Oh yes, many of the malls have indoor amusement parks with a monorail that circles the food court, ice skating ring or roller blade ring which ever you decide, a roller coaster and host of other rides to many to name. Alhumduliah it is very family oriented and keeps the smaller children busy along with offering protection from the sun something that the outdoor parks (as fun as they also can be) lack. We usually go to the outdoor parks in the evening after mahgrib.

indoor amusement park

Coming from the US and living in the land of the Muslims you start to appreciate little things like being able to enjoy a day out with the kids and still be able to break to make salah in the musellah at mall. MashaAllah just little things like this would be so nice in the US especially in large cities like NYC, Washington DC and Phildelphia where the Muslim population is so large. You are either forced to delay the salah, praying in you car, finding a dressing room or I would many times just wait until after Zhur salah to go out so that I would have several hours before Asr prayer would come in. All of these options become the norm when living in the US depending on various factors like personal time limits placed on you by other responsibilities like work or even your spouse. There many things to do here in Medina from visiting the historical areas like Mt.Uhud, Al Haram, Masid Quba and Qiblatan or simple things like a picnic in the park, coffee or tea at Starbucks or a cafe, amusement parks, shopping in the mall or going swimming. Activities are offered for both men and women and for families as a group. The local universities offer conferences on health and business and sitting in on a Daroos from a well known imam or scholar in Islam can be found in the Haram or Masjids throughout the city. For many just a simple gathering at a family member or friends home for tea and conversation will do.

Womens musellah in the mall

16 in Medina

I must apologize I know it seems like forever since I have kept you posted on things here in Medina. I have no excuse other than the daily routine of my life the unrelenting heat of the desert is draining me. Summer is approaching with no mercy. The heat is one of the many things that for some is very hard to cope with. My 16 year old is one of them. I decided to spend this blog sharing her experience and that of some of her friends. I think it is important for anyone who is considering moving to Medina with older children to understand what hurdles you may or may not encounter moving a teenager to KSA. Deciding on an highschool is the common problem many of us encounter. Highschool for a non arabic speaking teen falls into 2 options a priviate international school that uses an American curriculm and English is the primary language, governement school "public" which is a total emersion into all Arabic or homeschooling which can be a problem if you later decided to place them outside the home. Public or private will not recognize homeschoolers as far as placing them in the correct grades. From a parent's prospective moving a teenager to KSA can be ideal concept for other reasons. The knowledge that your teen will not be in same sex classrooms or even exposed to same sex schools (in most cases) or bombarded with negative images about Muslims. Intermingling that plagues the West and many other countries is almost non existent in KSA. I do not want to give an impression of a perfect or even a flawed society. It is easy to fall into a sense of false security about good and bad in Medina. This is true and I have to admit I am guilty of having these same feelings of protection from the outside world but of course there are always exceptions and teens who rebel no matter how religious the family is or is not. All parents must continue to make dua for their children and remind them that the growing pains of a teenager are just one phase of life. We have met teens who have lived in Medina some a few years others their entire lives. One thing that I have learned is teens (girls in particular) are a universal breed no matter the economic background whether they grew up in a large house or small flat, if they are home schooled, attend public or private school they pretty much enjoy just hanging out with friends, walking the malls and are concerned with all the latest fashions. People are a product of their environment and female teens in Medina are influenced by the culture of this country in many ways. From the way they wear hijab to the way they think about marriage and college.
Within a few months of arriving here and getting settled in my 16 year old expressed that she was bored (as every teenager in the world is) and that her daily routine of homeschooling and Quran class was not enough she wanted to socialize with others her age. Once upon a time being a teenager myself I sympathized, she was right we had just moved thousands of miles from what she knew leaving behind friends that she could only communicated with through emails as well as handling a full 10 grade schedule. I decided to email some of my new friends here in Medina and ask if they new of anyone who had daughters in her age range because unfortunately many of the families we had met their daughters were very young or they lived in other cities. After a few weeks I got a call from a friend telling me about a sister who had 2 daughters almost the same age as mine, the family had been in Medina for several years and their daughters were homeschooling also and we set up a meeting for lunch and the girls alhumdulih hit it off beautifully. Like some many other things here it is important to network and allow yourself to be open to others. Meeting other American families at first seemed difficult at times we felt as if we were the only Americans in Medina.
A family friend and his daughter come to visit sometimes but because they live in another city it is not very often. I have learned so much from this young lady about Saudi culture, education and sometimes racism. I find her very interesting being an American raised in Saudi almost since birth. Her Arabic is as flawless as her English. Also 16 she shares with me that life in Saudi is fun and she enjoys spending time with Americans whenever she gets a chance. Most of her friends are Arab but feels a close relationship with the community of Americans because many of them grew up together attending the same schools or living in the same neighborhoods. Even though she has visited Egypt and Europe she has not returned to the West since she was 3 she admits she has no desire to return but still has memories of several family members, the Flinstones and Brittney Spears lol. Just like some other teens she wants to travel the world attend college and has mixed feeling about getting married. Being only in 9th grade she has plenty of time to reconcile those feelings but her passion for reading fiction books and hanging out with her friends are pretty typical. "I still act very American I think, but that's ok I like who I am. I'm very popular at school because I am American".
My own daughter says " Allah is known for giving rewards, my best reward from him was living in Medina".

Rain

View of the city

Many of my moments in Medina are just little things I find moving, mesmerizing or motivating. Today was a day not unlike many others alhumdulilah Allah allowed us to wake to offer the fajr prayer, we prepared the children for school as we do all the time. I walked my daughter to school this morning but as we walked I felt the cool Medina breeze that so many speak about when coming here. During the winter months the temperature can be cool and you will have the nicest breeze in the mornings sometimes even the need for a sweater or light jacket may be necessary. The smell in the air was different the usual but because of the morning traffic and daily rush I wonder if others also took notice to the slight difference in the atmosphere. I told my husband it is such a nice morning but still a little warm. Later on in the morning through Allahs mercy we were able to enjoy the benefits of rain. Rain is one of those many blessings you began to really appreciate because it is so rarely experienced here in the desert. To the best of my recollection this is the second rain we have in about 7 months. The first rain I experienced here in Medina was a small storm that lasted several days it caused some flooding in many areas, mudslides and rock slides it was accompanied by thunder and lightning. I was told it was the first in years (Allah knows best). In Medina it is not uncommon to hear the Imams make dua for rain in the fajr salahs. The rain brings a welcomed coolness that can be missed in temperatures that can easily reach over a hundred degrees in May. The children ans I began or walk to class this afternoon deciding to take on the drizzle as we walked towards school but after a few minutes the drops began to come down at a faster pace and drench the ground suddenly we retraced our steps back home to escape that rain. All I could think about was sitting on the steps and letting the drops hit my face. Theses are small reminders to increase making dua. The weather in Medina is pretty constant there are winter months like December and January when the temperature is cool in the mornings and late in the evenings in comparison to the West it is still very warm for that time of year. The long time residence here say Medina has 2 months of winter. Areas like Jeddah and Mecca are almost always warm. Lately according to the Internet the last few days temperatures have been reported at 30 degrees Celsius(approx.86 degrees Fahrenheit) in the mornings. Even one day last week was reported to be 106 by the afternoon. Yes it can be very hot but this is an easy adjustment for most. Because of the extreme temperatures this is a society that does most of its business after asr when the sun is declining. Most appointments are made after then. Stores open, and the city comes to life in so many words after asr salah even more so during the month of Ramadan. I will never forget when my husband said the children had a dentist appointment once at midnight. Some say the day is night and the night is day.

The Royal palace from afar

Al Haram before and after prayer

Vacation

Any opportunity to make umrah and spend time with the family is always welcomed. These are the things I classify in my life as "Medina moments "even if they take place outside of Medina. Allah warns us in the Quran about time and how precious it is once it is gone it can never be replaced. So many of us our days are filled with hustle and bustle of daily chores, work, school and all those things in between. When ever I have a vacation from my routine I try to enjoy the moment. I find Medina to be very busy these last few weeks due to an insurgence of visitors many who were also on vacation last week and chose to visit Medina spending time with family and friends. My vacation was very wonderful (mashaAllah) allowing me to meet other muslimah from areas like Japan and just take time to have tea and conversation with new found friends. My husband decided to spend our last few vacation days in Jeddah which is a very busy city that reminds me of New York city in some ways. Jeddah is very popular for shopping, amusement parks and being so very close to Mecca aprox 45mins. or less driving. Many of our friends reside in Jeddah so it is always nice to visit with them.

Next we were on to Mecca. Mecca as always was very alive with people from all walks of life young and old we filled the Haram to offer salah and make tawaf around the Kaba. This umrah was very special because my young children were able to join us in making tawaf and see the Kaba for the first time. There little eyes overjoyed and my heart was full sharing this experince with them. I tried to make all the dua I could for those not with me but who I carry in my heart. I only pray that Allah accepts my intentions. After completing Umrah we rested for a few days and soon prepared to return home. The roads between Mecca, Jeddah and Medina will always keep you mesmerized with the vast area of desert and beautiful mountains you will see herds of camels, wild dogs and baboons. I have attached pictures of the baboons that swarmed our car in hopes of getting food, the lizard we found in our room and the camels that were being prepared for slaughter.

Baboons crossing the street
Yes! there is a baboon on the car
Camel meat before

and after

OMG! THERE IS A LIZARD IN MY ROOM!!

Preparation advice

In the past I have talked about preparation which is very important when making hijrah. But as we know Allah is the best of planners and the best disposer of our affairs. I must take this time to advise you that even with the best of intentions you will have to overcome test, trials and tribulations. I will reiterate that once the decisions has been made to make hijrah making sure that all proper documents and paper work are in order is essential. Currently in the US to obtain passports for an adult requires several things the appropriate application form, original birth certificate which is sent with your application to the passport bureau, state identification to acknowledge you are the applicant and several passport size pictures as well as the current fees of course. If there has been any legal name change due to marriage etc.. also have this available. When applying for children the process is similar but the age of the child or children may require both parents to be present to sign the application giving consent to issue passports. Please know that if there are 2 parents names listed on the birth record these 2 individuals as well as the children will need to be present to have the application even considered Yes, there are often special circumstances where the other parent is not available. In cases due to death you would of course need to produce the proper documentation. If someone has relocated they may be able to feel out a special circumstance form (available on line) explaining why they are not available have it notarized and attach this to the application. If an applying parent does not have a legal document specifically stating sole legal custody (primary custody may not be excepted by the passport bureau) or a plowmen petition granting permission to relocate with children that are minors you will need permission from the absent parent in writing. If any parent is not available due to incarceration the same requirements still apply they must request to have the prison notary notarize the forms or letter and this also can be used. These are common required procedures for first time passports. Passports that are being renewed or replaced due to damage or lost I am not aware of the protocol. (mashaAllah)
The reality of life is for one reason or another people divorce, part on good or sometimes not so good terms. People remarry and continue on with their lives even when children are involved unfortunately loose contact or have no on going relationship at all. It is at these times you have to deal with the potential hardship of trying to obtain passports and visas. InshaAllah once you have the passports they are good for 5 years for children and 10 years for adults. Applying for a visa to KSA is a similar process. Children from a previous marriage may also need translated documents submitted verifying the approval of both parents to enter the Kingdom. Depending on the nature of your individual situation waiting for an approval from KSA could possibly take months. If you are approved for a visa this is sent to the Consulate General in NYC or DC once the Consulate General issues you a visa you will have approximately 3 months to enter the Kingdom before it expires.
Bloggers note: I am speaking from my own personal experiences. I understand that many may not have encountered some of the hardships and difficulties that my family has. The state of Pennsylvania and the passport bureau in the USA have very strict and different rules about minor children leaving the USA. Sadly the rules governed by one department may not be governed by the other. My goal is only to share my thoughts so that it may make it easier for others and allow them to be prepared for some possible unforeseen hurdles. In the end my belief is that Allah has guided me here and I thank Allah for his mercy and those companions who have been a sincere support to me and my family
http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html

http://www.saudiembassy.net/

Sisterhood

The word sisterhood is been defined as an association or society of women who are linked together by a common religion or trade or interest; a religious society of women who live together as sisters.
Sisterhood in Islam is very important we are not only wives but the mothers, daughters and sisters to one another. Our responsibilities and role in our communities are great and the rewards from Allah are numerous. Part of what fosters good feelings and sisterhood is simple acts of kindness towards one another. Sadaqah to someone that you have never met but your faith in Allah and your desire to receive barakats for your good intentions is what keeps you going.

About a month ago I was visiting the Haram (The Prophets Masjid) with my family as we have done many times since being here. You will find that on any given day it is populated with hundreds of people but seemingly more so on Thursday and Friday. Like us, families come to offer the salah, attend classes or sit and benefit from each other. When walking through the court yard I passed 2 women with their children not really anything about them caught my eye just once we made eye contact I gave the saalams and continued to where I was going. As I walked by I heard one say something to her child in English. This did catch my attention because here in Medina that is not common. I still kept walking until I reached my oldest daughter I told her what I heard and she actually didn't believe me at first. So that's when I decided to go introduce myself and I encouraged my children to come along. I walked over to the same area I saw the women in but now there were several more. I gave the group of women the saalams and asked was anyone an American. "Yes", one of the sisters replied and where are you from? I told them we were from Pennsylvania, still a little shocked only because I have met many people here and some English speaking but very few from America.

Soon after we were invited to sit down and join them in a short time I learned a little about the small group of women. Three of the women were from Texas, New York and Florida and 3 others from Sweden. MahsaAllah I thought Allah's earth is large and he makes Muslims from every walk of life and Allah has guided us all to meet here in Medina at this most beautiful and sacred place. Everyone talked about how long they have lived in Medina (some as many as 5-7 years), there families and why they had come. During the conversations I was happy to hear that the women try to meet every week. Time had passed us by so quickly as the children played and the sunset almost time for mahgrib. A cloth was laid out on the ground and food was served. Every person had brought a dish and shared it with the group. I felt so bad because I had nothing to offer but they insisted we stay and join them. Before it was time to go were invited to join them again next week phone numbers were exchanged and we left.
The group of sisters still meet every week taking the time out to enjoy themselves and their children. I haven't been able to go every week as I would like but I was very happy to join them this week. As the weeks have gone by the small group of sisters I met just a month ago has grown. I arrived just after Asr several people were already there this time new faces and the location was a park near Mount Uhud. I always welcome opportunities to meet other Muslim women from countries like Bahrain, Somalia, Sweden and Nigeria. The children had swings, roller blades and sliding boards to keep them busy, what a good time they had. Sisterhood was present everywhere as each person introduced themselves, offered to help with one thing or another or give advice on an issue or topic like learning the Arabic language, parenting, education and choosing schools, life in Medina as we experience it.Everyone representing something different but still holding on to the concepts of sisterhood. We read about Allah, his power and wisdom but when you are surrounded by such diversity it is a reminder that Allah is the creator of the heavens and the earth and he is able to do all things. I think about the verse in the Quran that says "And in your creation,and what He scattered (through the earth) of moving (living) creatures are signs for people who have Faith with certainty. (Al-Jathiya, Chapter #45, Verse #4)
I have posted some pictures of our day at the park.