Thankful

Alhamdulillah, the preparation for the Haj is going on well. My family and I just finished the intensive course in Perlis last week and we all passed the test :). I realize that the time to go is not too long from now and there are many other things to take care of. Now that the short semester is already halfway, I expect to be able to concentrate more on my preparation, inside out. I decided not to take any courses next semester, so I'll be missing teaching the final year students for the first time since I came back from my study leave. But that's okay since this journey is a much more important thing for me right now.

Throughout the last few months, I couldn't deny the mixed feelings in my heart. During those weekly courses on Haj that I attended, I saw many people who have been waiting for years for their turn to go for Haj and many of them still are. The response in their eyes when I told them that I already got my letter from Tabung Haji was sometimes hard to bear. While I might not be appreciative enough in the beginning for this early opportunity to become Allah's guest, I can't stop feeling very lucky now. I think I will just cry my eyes out before I board the plane on the departure day. In fact, just thinking that I will be there in two months' time can bring out tears in my eyes.

It's true that this trip will change people. I can't wait for the experience and the spiritual journey, and I hope everything will be smooth sailing from now on until my family and I complete our Haj. God willing, we might be able to visit my late father's grave at Jeddah before coming back home. I do hope I'll become a better Muslim after this trip. Thanks for those who have been wishing us well :)