My Attempt, My Flop and then Came Corona...

Well, isn't this a Hum Dinger of a year ? I say "isn't" because we are still engulfed in this Pandemic even at the end of this eventful year 2020, and cases are still growing all over the world.  I truly do my absolute Best to Praise Allah for my condition, whether Good or Bad. 

    So I made my, well, what I would call my "first" attempt at Hijrah lol right before Corona-Covid-19 hit...and I say this with a smile on my face because it was exactly that, an "attempt". I saved and saved, sold and sold and made my Move. It was a beautiful notion in motion, nothing was in my way and I pushed forward all on my own. No one had the right to say "hey, I'm glad I helped you get there", nope not at all. I had finally made this move all on my own, coupled with MUCH Dua from my sisters and brothers.  By Allah, Financially it was me, and I was proud (Alhamdullilah).

Now lets get to the point...

    We had said our goodbyes and had our cries, and was now all packed in the crowded Airport transport Van...ugh and ready to Fly. It was a long, but lovely plane ride along side my Favorite person n the world, my Awesome granddaughter.  The airplane ride experience for her was crazy within itself, she wasn't afraid just tired and bored lol. We both enjoyed the ride there as well as the ride BACK. Oh yea, did I mention that we had to come back???? Yep, we left Egypt (my home) to return back here, so let's jump imdi that story real quick. 

       Ok, so we arrive at the airport and a Lovely sister from the family that found the flat (apartment) for us was waiting there's as our ride home. The airport process alone was its own experience. From checked bags along with 1000000000000 other travelers lol, ok maybe not that many people but it would seem that way. Now its time to start our way through all these people to find the customs line and explain "why Im even in there country",to begin with. Suddenly me, her and all of our 10 bags are Bombarded by about 5+ Egyptian Porters (luggage handlers) who are all talking and competing to get my USD $$$ for doing what they get paid to do anyway all day lol. So out the doors we go (me and my 3 well tipped$$ porters lol) to meet the sister who may I just add, is one of my dearest friends today. She assisted us, fed us and was so ok with her Husband and sons assisting us as well. 

it was a nice but LONG ride to the flat lol.

      Ahlan wa Sahlan - Welcome to our new Home

Now the BIGGER PICTURE...

I met so many beautiful sisters, my flat was huge and I was too tired to unpack lol. Just as soon as I thought I we would sleep and wake up to a new day, a new start it was interrupted by the brother saying "ok so which house item are we getting first" my ears starting hurting lol and my bottom lip was on thee floor. I stand there looking or pretending to be present all while I was in dream land and the sand man was laughing at me. What in the world was happening right now and why, lol. I had to put a battery in my back and get day started, they asked me what I wanted and how much I wanted to spend, I told them and they made it happen. It was a long and tiring day but it was surely Productive and I now have a wonderful family who I now call my own.

       The next day my flat is furnished with the essentials ;ie; Refridge, stove, bed, washing machine, pots, pans and other needed items Alhamdullilah. Sue and I decide to ask the sister to take us out so that we could stock up on some food items and a few small things for the bathroom. I completely forget that its Ramadhan and its HOT as Fish grease outside lol but the sister bindle calls an Uber ( yes Chile they have Uber) to my surprise. We all hop in and go to the market/plaza called LULU to get what's needed.

       We do a day by day thing or way of living and it was lovely, Sue didn't meet too many of her peers so it was a bit of a hardship for her. We  walked Malls, Ikea and graciously attended several Iftars and met so many sister from so many countries, what an awesome experience. It was a few weeks into our migration that we realize our trip was about to come to an abrupt end. See sadly I am so used to living in the states where all the  moving and shaking takes place at any given day throughout the month of Ramadan, that I forgot that the Heat coupled with the environment in other countries keep the people from moving and shaking like at home. Not to mention I was terrified of having to do the traveling on my own, eventho we made a few runs to the mall and nearby stores alone it was scary to have to do business without an Arabic speaking expat or native who has had to do some of the same things doing their move. so many important things weren't being taken care of bcuz peoples movements are Very different there during this Blessed month and I was too afraid honestly to do it alone. 

       Cant blame them for their norm, but bcuz we weren't able to get some vital business taken care of, I froze in fear. The type of fear that causes you to rethink, re-evaluate, re-calculate and ultimately re-move your self from that scenario, and that's what I did. Like a CHICKEN I checked my account instead of checking my Intent and then taking a second to put my Fears in check, but it waste late. Tickets were purchased and minds were made-up, it was so sad bcuz we I met even more sisters and Sue has met young sisters and hanging out a bit. 

Th ride home was a thoughtful one...

What have I done and how can I rectify my actions ??? We were home for a few months and planing to return after I check all my past situations and put all my affairs in order, I made up my mind to learn from those mishaps and make better judgment calls for this next move. I was ready it had been a year and Im rearing to roll lol the BOOM!!!!!! Corona sat us all down on the floor for a LONG nap or sud I say an Awakening ! 

I'll end now until next time, but believe me when I say;

 Im Still here and Im Still On my Mission for Migration... Like I always say,

Stay focused even thru the struggle .

 

  

Back on Track..Mission in Motion.

First, just let me take this deep breath and contemplate my thoughts. So much has happen over these past few years, things that would cause the normal sister to turn back on her heals...not the 6" kinda heals, but the soft and sensitive heals that tend to turn off to the side when walked on too long. I felt like I had been stepped on way too long emotionally and financially but  I understood it was for a good cause. My mother as you may recall in earlier posts had became ill, she had a stroke and needed my attention bcuz the stroke had taken away certain limb functions and she would therefore need help around the house and the doctor wouldnt release her unless I agreed to take care of her. Ahhhhh shes my Mom and my best friend so thats a "No Brainer". It pushed my plans back, back, waaaayyy back lol but she has rights over me so A girls gotta do what a girls gotta do right? So after all the time needed t be there with her I returned home and I posted that I was about to make my "Next Move my Best Move" but ahhhh my pockets were saying for me to sit down some where.ugh.

So from 2016 to 2017 I spent time planning out how I would leave again and things were going according to plan. I was saving, planning and making big moves all while making sure my Best Friend (ummi) was ok and taken care of while I would be gone...gone on my Mission For Migration. Well you know how we always say that we can plan but Allah is the best of PLANNERS? ??? I don't think we really get the VALIDITY  behind that statement until its up in your face like YEA!!!!! 

Eventho I had detailed and planned every move and thought ever thinkable thought, Allah had something else for me to deal with first. 
I was made to deal with Allah taking my Mothers Soul...Like What...what just happened, it was like a bad Horror flick with me as the main character. I will never forget the afternoon of  December 26,2017 when I received that call and my HEART DROPPING to the floor, this has to be some sorta stupid joke is what I exclaimed at my cousin who decided that he would take the brave task of telling their FAVORITE cousin that her BESTEST friend was found in her Home dead today. WOW WOW that sounds so krazy to say even to this day and its been a whole year now. So due to emotions right now and to make this Long story less long, I have grieved and I am always gonna be sad and always miss her but its Time...and hopefully its the right time, this time. I have come to realize that she would want me to be happy, so as I take another Deep breath,  I head myself out the door to the post office's passport section bcuz It time To Get Back on Track and put my Mission in Motion. Thanx for stopping by and listening/reading my rant be back soon with passport info for those who may be curious of the process so look out for that post asap. 

A Muslimahs past time, "To Do List"

Just a quick question ladies while I'm sitting here cracking up inside, bcuz this is so funny but so true. 
For me and many others...
Does is seem like NO Matter Where We End Up, Shopping Is Always On Our "To Do List"??
Im Just Saying...lol..too cute

From Minority To Majority...

From, Night to Light...

This pic is so beautiful to me and maybe even to you, see its my place of residence currently. But, by choice and with a smile on my chubby little face lol, Im trading it all in.
I'm Planning to leave behind a beautiful color filled city at Night as trade for another city that will Bring Light.
.

If you're wondering what I mean by that, see its my intent to choose Beautiful Light over a Beautiful Night, by residing in a Muslim Country and getting closer to Allah which ultimately Brings about a Beautiful Light (in the heart of the believer).

 Examples of this would be things like; Hearing the Adhan all day and over into the night by a soothing voice, not just the alert from my phone or Memorizing Quran and Arabic from a "Seasoned Sister" (lol) with a native tongue and Tajweed that will strengthen and encourage you or even just being able to see the Muslims all day and going from being the MINORITY to now being the MAJORITY. Sounds good to me, makes the struggle and fears worthwhile. I mean don't get me wrong I truly understand that there are things goings on in these countries, things to be mindful and careful of. No Doubt. We have our own things going on right here where we live and breath but, were used to our own crap so we kinda-sorta Fear being in the Midst of other peoples crap lol...Its just the very thought of knowing the above benefits that keep me Motivated. If I'm able, I'd rather Struggle in a country surrounded by The Believers (Muslims) then to Struggle and Die in a Country surrounded by Disbelievers...you feel me??? Im Just saying. But of course thats my Opinion and I'm not trying to push my opinion off on anyone, but as a Muslim you've gotta at least understand my point of view..

Thanx for Riding and Reading...until next time Barakalahu Feekunna

Receiving good news and advice...yaay

I was speaking with a sister that I love very much as she has taught me much at that crucial time during the beginning of my Islam into the present. I have known and respected her opinions for like 11 or 12 years now. WOW it seems like it was just yesterday but rather so long ago lol. 

Anywho back to "my good news", I was speaking to her and she informed me that she will be leaving the country as well but the good news is that she will be close to me just like we were in the same neighborhood before by the Permission of Allah we will again. I was excited to hear the good news about her and her family as well as hearing that a couple other families we both know are leaving as well for the same land. Its always important to have good people in your circle. Especially when being in a different place, I won't say an unfamiliar place bcuz Ive been there once before but at the same time its different now than it was when I lived there years ago.

She was advising me to create a circle of sisters who are on the same page as myself, sisters who are there for good reasons and intent, who are there to change their lives for the better. She advised me "not to go to the fool; for advice", lol. Meaning don't surround myself with those who have migrated but have not increased, benefitted or learned anything about that place during their time there. This is a struggle all around the board Masha Allah, I don't want to have untrustworthy sisters as company but at the same time, I don't wanna be affected by loneliness or Fright. However I don't wanna be affected by those who migrate for selfish reasons or just to say they've Migrated to a muslim land and they keep trouble or negativity with them at all times.

Her advice was to seek out sisters who have been there and know the land, maybe sisters who are natives to that land and they know the current events as well as speaking the language, those who are positively productive in speech and actions (I agree). In my opinion I think in situations like Migration, its Imperative to have Positive people around to whom you can depend on in time of need and positive, productive company to refrain from the lonely state that you could easily fall into allowing shaytaan to play on your emotions and fears...Be safe akhawaat and may Allah make your Migration an easy and beneficial one. ameen

My list of Reputable Travel agencies for International and National Affordable Flights...

Hey everyone...I thought maybe I should post a short but beneficial list of affordable Travel agencies. From my "Personal experiences" and from the experiences of those whom I trust and hold in high regard. So I hope this will help others, who are confused and may need to know where they can go to a known place that others have "actually" utilized, not just hear say in regards to Travel and Cost...

Ok so Starting off with my Personal Favorite...Drum Roll please...lol
1) Fly USA Travel (aka) Fly America...I absolutely Love this place I have been dealing with them since 2007. The Brother there is very Kind and will try his best to Accommodate you with your travel needs...

Next Ranking in at #2 is Adams Travel, a place also having trustworthy people working hard for you.

And Last but surely not Least, Im not as Familiar with this particular agency but it was highly recommended.

This last agency "May Travel" sits directly across the street from the Well Known Halal Establishment in Philadelphia...I have tried my best to present each pic with name and number as reference for anyone who may need to contact them...until next time,

 thanks for riding and reading with me.

Al-Aqsa 

Simply Beautiful...and Smells Amazing

My Companion gave me a Beautiful gift that smells amazing, Straight off Muslim Sand...

Smiles all day...It's the small things that mean so much, so if you have family and friends that love and support your ambitions be sure to let them know just how much you care before it's too late...

Phase 2...Making my Next move, my Best move..

Hey guys...I've been back home for a cpl weeks now and I've felt the stress of being all off schedule. I mean from falling asleep at a decent hour lol to getting my affairs in order to trying to replenish my finances. Overall its good to be back, so now I'm moving on to the Next Phase of my Mission. Today My Companion kindly invites me to a Lovely Lunch at a Lovely Cafe to provide me with a full stomach and a nice place to continue on with planning my Migration.

The Fireplace has me feeling all warm and cozy lol...Now I'm Regrouped, Focused and Ready to go ahead, thinking of My Next Move.
Well for starters, she (my Companion) has asked around to other sisters in Egypt about prices in regards to Furniture and the basic necessities for daily living... Like a fridge, a stove, a hot water heater washing machine ,pots, pans and dishes etc; so Ill share with you the info I was Given. These are prices for Brand new Items.
1) Fridge starting $200 for a Med size
2) Stove $100
3) Hot Water Tank $100
4)Washing machine $150
She also mentioned the option of purchasing a "Gas Cooker" $15... in replace of the full Stove, a gas cooker is a stove with only 2 burners and does not have an oven.
5) Cute dishes as well as pots and pans are  inexpensive...She said to keep in mind that the price varies, depending on size and quality but if I'm looking for the bare minimum $$$ spent then these are pretty much the prices to expect.
So now I add it all up and make a note of additional costs like housing, which I'm leaning towards renting a Furnished flat opposed to an empty one having to completely furnish it. The ONLY reason why I may choose that route ( furnished ) is bcuz its only myself and 1 child, I mean not that a whole family cant do a furnished flat but the way I see it is me having only 1 gives me less chance of damage from the natural inclination of children is to run, jump and simply have fun but with only one it wont get too bad lol. The owners hold the Tenants responsible for damages just the same as here or more not only to the building but damage to the items inside as well and Allah knows best. I have so many things to arrange, housing of course, furniture possibly, not to mention am I staying with a sister for a little when I arrive in order to find something that fits my liking or am I arranging my housing from here?? so many questions but I'll get the answers the best I can and as quick as possible then post them Insha Allah...Another thing is communications, finding the best apps to have there and what type of cell phone should I take or shud I wait until I get there to purchase one??? I'll post the answers asap, as well as passport  issues, pricing and which Travel agencies are good to go with? Well Im done eating and its time to pick up the youngster lol so Ill talk to you guys soon Insha Allah...Thanks for reading...

Remain Focused No Matter What!!! PT2 Regrouped...Focused and Ready

As salaamu alaikum...so to continue and end from where we left off, I arrived at the hospital about 9:30ish in the evening and we are both so tired but, we push forward. I remove all my bags from the car and my cousin looks at me like hmmm?? where are you going with the bags ? I reply "into the hospital, bcuz Im not leaving until she leaves". He shrubs his shoulders with a funny look on his face and says "girl you should stay thats a good idea, im proud of you" lol. So ok were on the elevator with 5 bags and a sleepwalking 6 yr old. We get to her floor and my stomach starts to rumble but not from hunger rather from fright so I tryta calm myself as to not upset my Mom. I open the door to her room and I notice firstly that its like a whole apartment lol its huge with a full size pull out and very tall closets and cabinets for your guests stay. She's still asleep but she hears us moving bags around so she wakes up and notices whos there and starts to cry. Shes exclaiming how happy and relieved she is to see me but, at that moment I realise that she Can talk! and that she has also regained some mobility on her right side so I start crying with her, then the baby starts crying which inturn makes us all Laugh. We talk a little bit but I see shes still weak so I suggest that we all get some sleep. The next morning its time for me to speak to the Doctors, nurses, specialists and home care because I just refuse to have my mom in a nursing home when Im more than able to assist with her Daily living at home. So days go by and shes getting stronger and stronger (alhamdulilah) and the doctor is considering letting her go home tomorrow (I sigh in relief because the hospital food aint all that its cracked up to be lol).

So its confirmed, and we are preparing to go home. We all get things in order and a good night's sleep because now the pressure begins.
I use my aunts truck to take my mom home but of course she would like to make a cpl stops but not b4 the stop to get her some "real food" lol. The ride home was good and shes happy.
We've been home for a few days now but, for some reason I have this crazy feeling that has taken over me, its like a strong feeling of RESPONSIBILITY. I suddenly feel like I'm the Parent and how could I leave my child in such distress? Shes "my' MOM no doubt but, she needs me like a child needs a parent. How could I leave to Migrate or to even go back Home for that matter, when she needs me so much. My head is spinning like crazy (I can't go, I can't go) for weeks thinking of my master plan, when all the while I should have just relaxed and waited, for what The Master of all things has planned for me. I tried to do it all without asking the Most Gracious for help, I tried to take control of this saddening situation, without calling on the Only one in Control of all situations. How could I forget about My Lord? How could I not remember that He said , He would make a way out for the Believer. How could I forget, that Dua changes things and although I can't make Dua for my moms health I can make Dua that My Situation becomes easy (I'm emotional as we speak). After about 3 more weeks of handling my moms business and home schooling my babygirl, I notice my mom is walking ,talking and making breakfast for me now...Allahu Akbar...La Hawla wala Quwata ilah bilah. The next week shes using her Tablet again, the nurses that come in 3xs a week and the physical Therapists are so pleased with her recovery and they just adore this kind and gentle lady whose daughter has remained steadfast throughout. They give me much thanks of appreciation and her an A+ on her health report but they reassure me that they will continue her home care as long as needed. Shes lost 11 lbs within 4 weeks from the no salt diet (ie. no pork lol) and at her first doctors appt she has given my mom a clean bill of health Masha Allah with advice for cautionary measures in the future. Her sisters have both agreed to visit each other more often and there children have agreed to the same thing because we DO NOT know when our time is to end..As I was making plans to go home shes letting me know that even tho she will miss us greatly its ok because shes ok with me leaving. How happy and sad I was at that very moment for this is My mom who Allah and His messenger has Commanded me to respect and take care of. Shes letting me know that shes ok and safe, and thanking me for the things I have put in place that's intended to insure her safety in the future as much as possible. Iv done my job I've done the very BEST I could do as far as I can tell. I can continue on with My Plans, continue on with my Mission for Migration because I put my Trust in Allah and He most Certainly has made a way out for me. Im Home, Im planning, and I speak to my Mom more than ever and I'm content with the outcome. So I remind you Ya Akhawaat Remain Focused No Matter what!!! Make your intentions sincere and put your Trust in Allah having no doubt that He will make a way out for the Believer...Thanx for reading and riding with me...Ma'a Salama.

Remain focused no matter what!!!!! Pt.1

The reason why I stress to you all about Remaining Focused is because, who would have thought that the First plane ride after about 7 years of me leaving Egypt would have been one not taking me back there but instead taking me to visit my Mother in the Hospital after having a STROKE!!?
I mean really. My heart dropped when I received the call from my aunt explaining that my mom was in the hospital and how they need me to get there asap. I was stunned and scared and confused because this was mom and the worst part is that I cant make a Dua for her at this time other than "May Allah the Most Merciful Guide her to Islam" ameen. (its the best Dua to make but at the same time I want her to recover). I take a deep breath and start to put the pieces together, ok ahh how much is the ticket gonna cost me, ahh who's picking me up from the airport when I get there because Charlotte is like 80 miles from my mom, what to do about my grand daughters schooling while we are away which gets me to thinking about the benefits of "HOME SCHOOLING". Ahh what things in my home do i take care of before I leave? how much money do i take out from my Migration money? I finally get it all planned out and by the Mercy of Allah I leave the next day alhamdulilah...My Companion drops me off at the airport she has also agreed to feed my cat and assist me in other ways may Allah give her success, in addition to the power of sister hood I was given the opportunity to get a discounted ticket due to a Lovely and Kind sister who works at the airport...May Allah reward her as well ameen. So I board and as the plane rises higher and higher I take a look over at my big girl who is so excited to be on her first plane ride. As I gaze out of the tiny window I gasp, and it hits me like a ton of bricks that this flight isnt for my Migration but rather its for my mother who is in pain who cant talk or walk who needs her ONLY daughter and I cry and I cry and I cry but, all the while not spoiling this exciting trip for my baby. My niqab is sticking to my face as I try to smile with her, and discuss this memorable moment in her life and mine. I arrive in Charlotte and my cousin is right there on time waiting to take me to his favorite Aunt, my bags are loaded and were on our way. 1 1/2 hours later we pull up to the hospital its like 930 pm i'm tired shes tired but we remain steadfast, well I do because she ate then was sleeping and comfy lol. Now comes the hard part...see you guys later with PT2 and remember to remain focused no matter what!!!

The Mission...The Struggle...The Reward

From Franklin Mills to Philadelphia Mills..pt1

Not Sure why they changed the name but here it is...In the way lol

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From Franklin Mills to Philadelphia Mills...pt2

Had to take a quick trip to "Philadelphia Mills" aka Franklin Mills...Yes they changed the name. Why, you might ask...I Do Not know...lol

What I do know is that its the best place to go for Summer Clearance items bcuz its already "an outlet" so the CLEARANCE item prices are even better. I figure I should get some Spring and Summer items to take now and then return when the weather breaks to get some "Winter" Clearance items. I was advised to take nice warm clothing for inside the house as well as for outside due to the cement walls and marble floors so there isn't any insulation like in the homes here in the states...So I'm gonna get us some nice long fluffy boot slippers and fleece PJs and Fleece tights as well as tryta find a cpl inexpensive electric blankets. Ok well that's it for now hope all you sisters, who are familiar with Franklin Mills enjoy the short video...Just wanted to give you a moment to reminisce. smiles

Sipping and Thinking...

Just sitting here thinking of ways to make this Migration easy and beneficial...Im glad that I have joined a few hijrah groups Via, Face Book (i.e.) Hijrah to Alexandria, Egypt, or Our Ummah in Alex or Sisters in Egypt or even Sell Buy Give  (Alex Women)...All these FB groups have been helpful links with regards to my Travel plans. So I would advice you all to join these groups because the sisters who are the administrators of these groups are very intuned with the current affairs in Misr (Egypt) as well as polite, thoughtful and supportive of your intent to Migrate. Well its getting late so I'll be back soon insha Allah...

ATTN; Links to these groups will be attached to my page on the "Desk Top View only"..on left hand side called .."Link List" (this link list cannot be viewed on Mobile devices unless you switch to the Desktop view)