Refreshed soul, renewed faith, strengthened belief.

We've always talked about wanting to visit each other since forever but apart from that one visit I made down to Cardiff in my first year, and the occasional meets at Nottingham games, I hardly ever see the girls here, ever! So, this being their final year and a month before they all graduate, it seemed mandatory that they come and visit. We were blessed with such lovely weather that weekend, I took them to the Mancunian barbeque for some food and mingling and we hung around for a short while before I took them round Manchestertown. I asked them where they wanted to go, what they wanted to see in Manchester and they said "We're here to see you. So take us anywhere we can catch up."

So I took them to the Quays. Somewhere I've found solace over these past couple of months. And we crossed the suspended bridge, sat on the benches overlooking the water. They told me their stories, their travels, stuff they're involved in and I shared mine, too.  Plato once said 'Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle'. And this weekend really gave me perspective on this. Catching up with these girls really humbled me and its always refreshing to be able to listen to their take on matters of the heart and our imaan. It wasnt easy reliving the dark moments of the past year for all of us, but for me, speaking to them made it feel so much better. I hope they felt the same. They listened without judgement, reminding me about patience, forgiveness, hope, faith and most of all belief. 

I told them I wasnt ready yet. They said, "Its ok. You'll learn. You'll get there." 
I asked them whether I should. They advised, "If you want it, work for it, and ask for it, from Him."
I said to them I felt really small. They replied, "Never let any circumstance steal your shine, your sense of worth or your faith."
I said it gets pretty tough sometimes and I still miss him. They said, "We understand."

The way they reasoned things with me by picking out excerpts from the Quran and Hadiths was a really powerful way of helping gain inner peace, in its own special way. and alhamdulillah, I learnt loads from just the weekend with them.

^^My go-to person for spiritual therapy. My very own, personal ustazah lol.^^

^^Just some pictures of the pretty clouds that day^^

^^UCSI '09!! The color blocking, totally unplanned!^^

Thanks again for visiting, ladies! I'll try to make it down for graduation, insyaAllah! It's been a pleasure having you guys around. 

Love yous,
Peja xx