Religious Freedom

This will be the first Easter that I will not be celebrating with my family. In fact, this will be the first Easter I will not be celebrating.

I will be in a country where religious freedom, among other freedoms, is not a constitutional right. I think I’ve taken for granted attending Catholic church services with my family, sitting down to a ham dinner for Easter, and giving thanks for God’s blessings on the day of His Resurrection. All of these things - a religion other than Islam, pork, worshipping a diety other than Allah – are illegal where I am going. While I can of course pray on my own, it won’t be quite the same. Although when the Muslims’ call to prayers happens five times a day from before sunrise until after sunset, I may just take those opportunities to remind myself to pray, as well. Perhaps that is one practice I will take away from this journey.

I’m certainly not criticizing or judging this culture – it’s just different than the one that I’m used to being a part of. I don’t think we as a nation appreciate the freedoms we do have, that is, until we are challenged to become a part of another society that doesn’t hold the same weight to freedom as we do in the United States. This melting pot that we have, this mélange of races and ethnicities, ideas and innovations, backgrounds and histories, religions and the right to not worship, all of that is what makes America a great nation. One reason this nation was birthed was for those persecuted for their religious beliefs in an attempt to provide a home for religious freedoms.

Before I have even boarded the plane for this adventure, I am already beginning to reflect on what I will take away from this next series of travels. Poignant moments await me still.

Once in a Lifetime

The abaya is washed and hung, the hijab is also ready for my hair. I will not have to dress for the length of my stay, but experiencing the unique culture of Saudi Arabia is something I never thought I’d have the chance to do in my lifetime. This will be the most restrictive culture I will have been a part of, including my time spent in Bahrain, Qatar, and on this trip, Kuwait, as well. I’m not opposed to having to conform to the standards of another in this way. In fact I am excited to have the opportunity to experience it. At least for a short while.

The weather forecast is 75-97 degrees and at all times, I will have to be covered – shirts with long sleeves, no collarbones showing, pants. I am a little concerned, particularly when I do have to wear the abaya. It is a heavy garment. While I’m borrowing this one to wear when I get off the plane, I intend on buying my own from the souq to call my own. I’m looking forward to this experience, different as it may be, as they don’t come along very often. I relish opportunities like these. This is my passion for traveling.

Breath

The inspiration for these writings has stemmed from my life's travels and the people who have influenced me while I adventure. The details that make up the world breathe life into my journey. Those breaths, those moments of windedness, are what I want to share with you.

My encouragement stems from one of my closest friends, B.B., who righted my doubts while we were traveling in January. He solidifies my purpose and passions in life. Whenever we travel together, lanes are so wide.

The final stamp in my passport for beginning this journaling was when my brother and his girlfriend gave me Frances Mayes’ book “A Year in the World: Journeys of a Passionate Traveller” for Christmas. I finished it this morning, just in time to attend an event at the National Geographic Museum where Frances Mayes was speaking. She signed my book: “Ciao, Andrea.” I’m taking that as a ‘Hello’ and "I’ll see you on your travels soon." So, ciao!