When I was landing, my heart was gripped with the kind of pain I can’t describe to you. My eyes ran over the beautiful scenery beneath me and I felt overwhelemed by pain and worry over what would become of this land. I remembered someone saying once that for us Pakistan is no longer home and our concern for it is merely a detcahed concern and at that time I realized how untrue that was, at least for me. For how could I feel such intense pain if I was so detached? I couldn’t hold back the tears that welled up and wouldn’t stop, I tried to shrink into the airplane window, hoping no one would see my tears. I prayed for Pakistan then, prayed a lot, begged God to make everything stop.

Things have never been perfect here but they’re at an all time low now. I just can’t bring myself to be too excited. My heart really does ache for this country that raised me. I have such fond feelings for every pretty corner and every not-so-pretty crevice. I know that detached is the last word I’d use for my feelings for this country. InshaAllah, we’ll keep praying and hoping and trying and things will get better.

On a positive note, every time I visit Islamabad, it seems like it grows. It’s wonderful how they’ve expanded all the roads, made so many underpasses and bridges in a matter of months. The custodian of this city, some dude named Lashari, is a really nice guy. People really admire him here for all his hard work. It seems like he puts the money in the city, not in his pocket and that seems just monumental. Haha.

On another positive note, this city, at least seems to be progressing smoothly despite the circumstances. There are so many fancy housing communities being built, posh stores being launched etc. I think we’ve come a long way for 60 years. Really.

On a personal note, my parents moved into thier own home and this is the first time I’ve seen it. If you’re a Pakistani or aware of the house dynamics here than you know that this is a big feat here; to own your home. Here if you own a home, it means you actually own it, not the bank. And to have a home in te midst of Islamabad is really something, alhamduLilah. I’m so proud of my father for getting here, this house is not merely a materialistic accomplishment, it is a culmination of his dedication and hard work over an entire lifetime.

The annoying thing, though is that the house is not yet completed. It has three floors and the ground or main floor is still incomplete. This is because of all the hell Papa’s business partner put him through and only now that the money has started trickling in, can Papa try and finsih this house. Anyways, the noise and dust from the work being done on this floor just sucks. It’s really not pleasent at all and I hope it gets done soon.

Papa saved me a room in this house too. He’s so sweet, he painted it a beautiful lavender color for me and the tiles in the bathroom are different shades of purple; my favorite color. I’ll post pictures once I’m done decorating a little.

Alright, what else? I’m trying to keep a low profile and not go out too much but I did go out shopping for a bit yesterday. AlhamduLilah, all looked well.

Oh and in case some of you are surprised that I’m in Pakistan, I basically didn’t annoucne it on my blog because most of you are from the forum anyway and I had mentioned it there. So sorry for the long absence but I’ll try to update as much as I can especially if something interesting happens Take care, all.

So everyone loved the party! We had loads of fun!! There wasn’t an awkward moment ever and everyone just had a great time! My friend S, who the party was for, kept saying how it’s the best baby shower she’s ever been too and that she was so touched by everything I did. Aww.. I was so happy she liked everything and that all went well You don’t see much decoration in this part of the room cuz I kept most of it to the dining table area

Here’s the clothes line I made.. everyone thought I’d bought it somewhere!! lol! It was very flattering cuz I absolutely am NOT an artsy person adn my drawing just sucks but somehow I was able to pull this one off!! And the whole project barely cost me $4!! That’s nothing as compared to all the other decorations I bought! haha
There’s the shower girl in black cutting the cake. I’m not in the picture cuz I didn’t have my hijab on.. but everyone else looks great!

*deleted photo*

These are the party favors I made. These were really simple to put together but everyone loved them!!

Here’s the dining area..

Her friends helped me with the food so only really made salad and everyone else brought the food so it was wonderful that I didn’t have to cook Here’s a closeup of the clothes line.. thank you so much for whoever gave me this idea (someone from the forum!).. it was a BIG hit
S’s friend had come all the way from New Orleans to attend and she made us these lovely pina coladas!! yum!
Hope you enjoyed these!!

Most people on my blogroll are not updating their blogs at all. I’m bored. I want new blood. Lemme go find some fresh uns…… let me know if you have any suggestions; do you love someone’s blog and it’s not on my list? Lemme know, chicas!

AlhamduLilah……… finally……….. the man paid Papa the money he owed him!!!!!! Phew!!! Uncle (from England) called me to tell me and I was so relieved.. I went and said some prayers of gratitude, never enough but Allah will accept, inshaAllah. There we go people, prayers help. Sometimes, they’re all that DO help. That man is just plain crazy and what could anyone have done about it? Turns out Papa met up with his dad who happens to be my late grandfather’s cousin and friend. So his dad talked some sense into him and after a few hours of a family meeting, justice was served and he paid up. This time Papa told him he won’t accept a personal check and only a draft (or cashier’s check) which is as good as cash itself. So finally…… Papa can move on. Of course, things will not be the same for a while – Papa still has to rebuild the business the man stole from him but atleast he now has the means to make a new start. AlhamduLilah.

I’m going to Pakistan later this month, inshaAllah so hopefully, I’ll find out that the sister has been cured of her lovebug. Ah.. to be young and in love.

Thank you so much to everyone who wrote to me and wished me well and expressed grief to me despite their own troubles. You all are bestest friends ever!! Muah!!!!!!