THOUGHTS OF A SOMALI GIRL

Hi everyone! I'm back in Canada safe and sound! Alhamdulillah! I'm so happy to be home. I've never missed my home so much. Neither have I missed nor appreciated food in Canada, my bed, my stove, and yes, even my washing machine! My trip to Mogadishu with my family was definitely a humbling one. I've never appreciated the life we have as much as I do now. You only come to understand and appreciate your life when you put yourself in someone else' shoes. I was already somewhat aware of what life in Somalia was like. But actually living there was what made me have more appreciation for the life I had.  I could never live in Somalia. The family I have there would always ask me whether I would move there. Whenever I'd politely say no, they'd say the same thing: "This is your home, it's where you are from. You're whole family is here." I'd feel conflicting emotions. On the one hand, Canada is where I grew up. I consider ...

Ramadan in Somalia Several things to say about fasting during Ramadan in Somalia. There's the good and the bad as with all things. The good thing about Ramadan in Somalia? It's easier to fast in Somalia than in Canada: the fast is shorter with the sun setting earlier (around 6 pm instead of around 9) and there is no temptation to eat; everyone is fasting and if they aren't, they're not open about it. In addition, all the restaurants are closed until it's time to eat so you won't see anyone eating when you go outside. Furthermore, there isn't any food in the house to tempt you - people buy fresh food everyday from the market. I also love hearing the multiple aathans (call to prayer) at every prayer from the mosques in the area. There's no need to check the time to see if it's time to pray or set an alarm to wake up for Fajr. I found that I'm able to pray on time more. On the flipside, despite being in a Muslim country, I don't feel...