Those We Left Behind Part 1

It feels like ages before I log in to this blog. The reality is, it was only over a week ago we came down from Dundee. My life has been like some fast forward reel. As I mentioned before I started work last Friday (August 27). Since then, it is taking the tube from Willesden Green, changing to Piccadilly line at Green Park and stopping at Hyde Park Corner, joining the many rushing out from the underground to work. It has been as early as 7pm before I left the office but most slightly more. Still, there is a lot of work to do. Life is fast-paced as far as work is concerned.

On my journey back from work, my mind kept reminiscing of life back in Dundee. The year that we spent there was a very good year though a bit marred by the coldest winter in 30 years. We made friends, we became part of a community who blends well without a care of what color, which belief or from which part of the world you came from. Everything is in a peaceful tandem. It's like we are in the company of friends at every corner. This entry may be "Belated" but here goes ....

On the day we left Dundee, friends came to visit - the women helping with last bit of packing making it much easier. The men having the last chat and helping with the last packages. How I miss them all - They are like brothers and sisters to us. United by the search of knowledge and linked by strong ukhwah. As I am writing, I can't help a bit of tears or two - not of sadness mind you, but of gladness that I and we were given at least that phase of our life to understand how it is like to be in a community so understanding, so peaceful, so amicable.

Oh yes, we do miss those we left behind - Aine, Taufik (We cannot thank you both enough - you have been such great people) & family (Aqil has been asking for Fathi); Ina, Zahir (Thank you to both of you for everything especially for taking care of Mia while we were out of town and the mengaji session - we admire your generosity so much) & family (Mia will be sending a card to Balqis soon); Fiza , Azhar (Thank you so much for everything) & family (Mia will write to Dina soon); Fa (Take Care, Sis and I pray that you have all the strength that you need), Ustaz Amin & family; Ana (please take good care of yourself - May Allah Bless you with the strength that you needed to go through), Mahzan (I know you are taking great care of Ana) and family; Nor, Zul (Thank you so much for all your great great food - we missed them already) &amp family (the next time we visit, Quratul 'Ain will not be the sleepy baby she is now! And Akak will be a lovely young lady); Elly (Be strong ya, Sis - Tell me if you have started your classes) & Mahadi (Take Great Care - she's "fragile" now and thank you ever so much for the polaroid snaps - we'll treasure them);

And all our love & good wishes for - Khamsah (The Great Chef of the North :-D), Amir (be mindful of the food, now!) & family; Ustazah Ika & Midi (before you leave do visit us); Dell, Mahiz & family (now you have a choice of Uxbridge & Luton when you come down); Shahrul, Mala (keep it up - hopefully you have every assistance needed in completing your research) & Sara; Shikin (Insya Allah we'll be back for further studies), Ustaz Nizam, Zaid (the Best Dressed Boy) & Mayam (who blends in immediately); Zaiti (Sorry for not meeting you before we left - it is so rushed), Shahrul & Maryam (the beautiful girl); Zaquan & Alisa (the sweet2 couple); Helmi (if you come down to Surrey do pay a visit, ya); Anas (Thanks for your insights on Fiat Money, Bretton Woods and the monetary system) & Hani,

And all the brothers and sisters - Azline (I'll try to update my blog - but things get very busy lately - by the time I reached home I am already for the bed), Liyana & Liyana (yes, the two of you), Amal, Izzati (both of you are great!), Siti (knows you for a short while but it is well worth it), Ibkaar, Rauhan, Vishnu and for the rest of you, do forgive if I miss anyone but our prayers to all of you - It has been great having the opportunity to know you.

WE WISH ALL OF YOU SUCCESS IN WHAT YOU HAVE BEEN WORKING HARD TOWARDS AND DO COME AND VISIT US SHOULD YOU COME DOWN SOUTH.