Living in Kuwait these past eight years has been such an amazing
experience. In fact, I can scarcely find the words to describe all
that I have encountered and felt. When words fail me, I resort to
images which continue to swirl around my brain like sand in fierce
desert storms:
Ah, the sandy desert with its haunting stillness; frankincense burning
on lit charcoal; camels sauntering about; beautiful women with black
veils; noble men with regal headdresses; happy children with piercing
dark eyes; fisherman gliding along in traditional ships; the call to
prayer echoing from mosques fine times a day; Arab and Persian
families generously opening their hearts and homes to this humble
American; palm tree dates and pungent Arabic coffee; loyal new friends
from India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan, China, Africa and the
Philippines.
There is so much that I am still processing about my journey to the
Middle East. I have completed one book entitled: "Blazing
Radiance" , which is a compilation of spiritual reflections I
wrote while living overseas. Currently I am working on a second book,
tentatively titled: "Mystique of the Middle East: Lessons for Us
All". Yes the journey into the mystique was awesome and no, the
re-integration back into Americas has not been easy. I feel stranded
between the East and the West, uncertain of where or how to land.
On the one hand, I am so happy to be reunited with family, friends,
and the pristine beauty of these American lands. I see our natural
landscape with new eyes. Everything in America is green and teeming
with life. Also, for the first time in my life, even with all of our
weighty problems, I feel more gratitude for, and less criticism of our
country. We are so incredibly blessed with creative, educational, and
work opportunities. Most countries on the other side of the world are
not so fortunate.
On the other hand, I miss the spiritual focus and collective
generosity of the Middle Eastern worlds. I miss the exhilaration that
comes through cross-cultural sharing. Through my travels in Kuwait,
Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, Turkey, Oman, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qattar,
Saudi Arabia, India, Egypt, and Israel/Palestine, I've
experienced enormous kindness. I have also looked into the eyes of the
mystical, the sublime, and the terrifying. During the early days of
September 11 an the bombings of Afghanistan and Iraq, I sat alone in
my Kuwait apartment frozen with fear. But with time, Muslim friends
sheltered and protected me.
My terror gradually melted and gave release to the strength and
courage that is fashioned through hardships endured. Daily interaction
with Arab, Persian, and African nursing students provided a new sense
of joy and purpose in my life. I now feel I have so many wonderful new
friends who were not only my students, but my greatest teachers.
Furthermore, through an unexpected relationship with a Middle Eastern
Muslim man, I've experienced the power of love to cross over harsh
cultural and political boundaries. All the above resulted in bringing
forth my inner spiritual warrior.
Being close to the war and the heart-wrenching battles in the Middle
East has a way of shaking up one's entire being and I am still
trembling from my intimate exposure. And yet, in ways I can't really
explain to those I love the most and who worry most about my safety, I
feel called to return to the heart of the Middle East. I am not
certain if I will return for frequent visits or if I will return to
live. Only Allah knows for sure which path lay ahead of me, but I ask
you to pray for my ongoing discernment and honesty in examining this
question. I can now understand, speak, and read a little Arabic. I
have read the entire Holy Quran and have gained tremendous insight
into the beauty of Islam.
I have also learned so much about the rich Arab and Persian cultures.
Having accomplished all of this, with no great ease I might add, I
can't help but believe that somehow my mission is turning into that of
unofficial ambassador between America and the Middle East. I don't
feel this mission is incompatible with my other commitments to
preserving our Creation Spirituality tradition, the new cosmology, our
environment, and indigenous wisdom. I feel it is a natural extension
into the timely, social/political issues of our times.
My heartfelt prayer is that there be peace in the Middle East and
peace in the world. This is no small request. But I am not daunted by
the boldness of the request because our God in no small God and our
universe is no small place. The Creator is an absolutely astonishing,
blazing radiance which, I believe, in due time, comprehends and
responds to our genuine pleas for peace and justice. May the Great
Spirit bless each of us for the prayers and work we do to bring
salaam/shalom/peace to this world. May we feel a sense of dutiful
fulfillment as we participate in our individual and collective
callings. Blessings of hope, love, and creation to each of you.
