Hello lovelies!
This is round two of today's post- I had it ready, saved (or so I thought) and published... Until I lost everything! All the work I had put in GONE! Poof! My brain has been a bit fuzzy since last week, kind of like my heart - all warm and fuzzy ❤️
Since I shared the news of my accreditation for Hajj (pilgrimage) I have had the most amazing encounters! I have received well wishes, emails, congratulations, tips and watsapps from so many people, some of whom I have never met! People have shared their research, lists and experiences with such open hearts- it just blew me away. What was even more special was that everyone, regardless of race or religion has been so happy for me, wishing me with such reverence and awe. My non-muslim friends are participating as much in this life-changing experience as my family. It has truly just reinforced the belief that we are all one, and able to share absolute joy.
As I prepare for this journey, I realise that it actually started four years ago, the day I placed my name on the waiting list. And everything since then has conspired to bring me to this point. In hindsight, I can see how all the trials I have endured, the hardships and despair have all contributed to my personal growth. All the work, the lessons, and the people with whom I have forged bonds have granted me the ability to grab this life-changing opportunity and to embrace all it has to offer. I am excited, I am apprehensive and yet I am also content that there could be no other time that this could happen. This pilgrimage is the culmination of the beginning for me, for when I return it will be a continuation.
It has started.
Right here.
At home.
I have engaged in conversations with people who have performed their pilgrimage, the nostalgia apparent, the inner glow of fulfilment a testament to enormity of this journey. Each one has their own experience, and in some way every person has the same emotional bond and connection to their experience. This journey is undertaken by individuals from all corners of the globe, all with different traditions and cultures; and each one will perform the same rituals, wearing the same garb and stand as equals side by side on the plains of Arafah. Each one of us in humble supplication, where we can only hope to present the best of ourselves to our Creator. This will be a time of intense introspection, a sacred dialogue from a mere pilgrim, who has traversed the earth to have the honour of fulfilling this spiritual quest. There is no greater evidence of the oneness of humanity than this, the sight of this mass of individuals (all invited guests) all with one purpose, all with the same heart. It is with this feeling of oneness that people have reached out to me, offered gifts, offered prayers and wished me well. At no other time have I felt the love more, or experienced this honouring- it is indeed a humbling experience.
This Eid was bittersweet, as we prepared the boys for the eventuality that we would not be around next Eid. It was a gesture for them, and I know for us as well. We greeted our nearest and dearest, handing out personal greeting cards, and as I sit and reflect, I am grateful that I have such limited time before I leave. I do not have the luxury of stressing about unnecessary things, it has forced us to focus on what's important and to forego the things that aren't.
As I greeted family members in this beautiful piece put together by the beautiful Aysha, from Human Image, I felt truly special. Aysha has a knack for knowing what I need, and this outfit made from fabric she sourced abroad was the just the right thing to start my greetings!
Thank you Aysha for being super awesome!
To purchase any pieces from The Human Image Range, please get in touch with Aysha on 0723711695 or visit her studio at 65 4th Avenue Rondebosch East.
“We are more alike than different. We Are One.”
― Efrat Cybulkiewicz
Outfit details:
Human Image peplum top and skirt
Rebelfunk neckpiece
Vince Camuto heels
Mango quilted bag (old)
Pashmina styled as a scarf (old)
Country Road earrings
Lovisa cuff
Ciao for now,
RuBe xoxo