First Week of School

- Graham Chapel, WashU, Saint Louis, MO, 2011 -

Survived the first week of school, alhamdulillah. It has been snowing cats and dogs this past week (though you cannot really see it in this picture), so I have been trying to walk very carefully to school, so as not to fall again. Hopefully, the boots that I have bought will help, insya-Allah. Many thanks to Laura for helping me! I am blessed to have such wonderful friends, alhamdulillah. :) 

Keep warm if you are experiencing winter!

2010

- Chicago, 2010 -

Ah, 2010, what a huge difference from 2009, masya-Allah. 

Had to go for surgery, barely ate for more than a month, fell twice in three days (literally, not in love), just recovered from a scabby face, and now I'm still recovering from an awful throat infection. It's probably not a good idea to do an end-of-year review while I am sick, but really, how could I be nothing but grateful to Allah SWT for all that has happened to me? Alhamdulillah (Praise be to Allah) for Him taking such good care of me, giving me such kind, lovely, and wonderful friends, who look after me while I am thousands of miles away from home. Alhamdulillah for my wonderful family, who are always there for me. Alhamdulillah for all the people I have encountered, and who have become my new friends, thereby making my life a much more interesting one. Alhamdulillah for all my little adventures (and awkward moments), as I seek to complete the other half of my deen. Alhamdulillah for surviving 1.5 years into my PhD program, and finishing all of my required coursework. Alhamdulillah for everything, truly.

I can only pray that 2011 will be a better year and more, insya-Allah. To repeat a du'a from last year, may Allah SWT continue to look after me as He has done thus far, and bless me with spiritual peace, guiding me along the right path in every decision I make, and as an added bonus, to a soulmate, ameen. 

Here's to an absolutely blessed 2011, and again, may everyone find peace, love, wisdom, and happiness! :)