My Scholarship entry - Giving back on the road
WORLDWIDE | Monday, 23 April 2012 | Views [227] | Scholarship Entry
I met a beautiful woman from Malaysia in 1997. We often discussed traveling to sumatra. After converting to islam in 1997, I became very bored and spiritually dead. I met Nurul Huda at a local mosque, before the 9/11 attack. She had two small children and five older children. I had never participated in any travel expenditures or even learned to drive until I met Nurul Huda. She and her family accepted me into their home so I can escape the wahabi lifestyle, taught in local mosques mostly. Nurul Huda preached about the dangers of wahabism and was very brave when facing off with men, who unapproved of womens' presence in and around the mosque. Often alone, I would contact the sister to find comfort. When we started meeting often, she insisted I stay with her and her family. I began helping her with daily chores and meals while accompanying her on long drives. I was impressed by her calm composure while maintaining her daily activities. I was able to understand how prayer had a great effect. I enjoyed the mix of her delicious hot and sweet dishes. The choices satisfied me. I also have a different outlook on relationships and value matrimony thanks to Nurul Huda. She helped me to change my life because I was able to use my determination to continue studying. I am also very aware of how woman have the ability to change the world. Her compassion, knowledge and love of children helped me to come back to life. I pray more and participate in writing projects. My goal is to raise awareness about child abuse, erase violence, eradicate poverty and unify families. Nurul huda passed away in april, 2011. She helped me to change my life. Now I manage a group online creating awareness of today's problems and possible solutions to them. People from all backgrounds, cultures and ethnicities can come together and brainstorm, discuss and debate the current issues of poverty, violence racism and ignorance, along with others which mankind suffers from.
Tags: Travel Writing Scholarship 2012
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