Meeting my host family was overwhelming. After wondering what they looked like, where they lived and what their personalities were like, I finally was able to put the missing piece to the puzzle together. I have amazing sisters and brothers and superb host parents. I couldn’t be any more grateful.
My first night my little sister Alleyah pulled me to the side and spoke the words that entitle this post. “Stay with us, please don’t go anywhere.” I couldn’t imagine going anywhere else. I love it here so much and could say that a million times and it still wouldn’t be enough. I feel more than welcome.
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I was 5 years old and didn’t understand what was going on at the time. I remember coming home from school and my parents told me to sit down and watch the news with them. I remember seeing smoking buildings and then later saw those smoking buildings fall. ‘Terrorists have just crashed planes into the Twin Towers in New York as well as various other places.’ The first time I ever heard the word ‘terrorists’.. but definitely not the last. Fast forward a few years, in school on the anniversary of 9/11 we have a moment of silence and then watched a remembrance video. Terrorists are the reason for this we are told. Muslims in America and all over the world are now blamed for what happened. A man wearing the traditional wear for a Muslim is getting on a plane, the other passengers connect him to the 9/11 attacks and request him to be removed from the plane. He’s removed. Snide and hurtful remarks are reared towards the Muslim population,’ they’re all terrorists.”
9/11 came and went. It was a typical day. My family actually didn’t know what really happened on that day 12 years ago so we had a long conversation about it. They seemed just as devastated as any American would. My father is the President of the Atonsu circuit of the Ahamadiyya Muslim Mission and in a recent interview he stated: “Sometimes it baffles my mind when I hear some people trying to label Islam as a violent religion. Islam in actual fact, focuses on humanity and it is not about perpetrating violence against those who do not belong to this faith.” Not once since I’ve been here have I felt threatened in any way.
My host mom’s laughter fills the house everyday. My sisters and I hang out in our rooms and listen to music ad watch movies with each other. The hospitality my family offers to their community. How could they be terrorists? A conversation with my brother was eye-opening. He said, “Not all Muslims are terrorists. In fact, our religion doesn’t teach us to hate. If you hate your neighbor then you are not a Muslim.”
Within the short amount of time with my host family they’ve taught me so much already. From the local dialect of Twi to how to properly eat fufu. Most importantly however, they are teaching me about their religion. My family are Muslims, the suburb I live in is Muslim populated. I have a Mosque right next door to my house and I hear the call to prayer every morning and evening. I’ve attended and participated in their prayer. Religion is a beautiful thing and everyone should be open to learning more about other religions besides their own.. you’d be surprised how much alike they really are.
My first night my little sister Alleyah pulled me to the side and spoke the words that entitle this post. “Stay with us, please don’t go anywhere.” I couldn’t imagine going anywhere else. I love it here so much and could say that a million times and it still wouldn’t be enough. I feel more than welcome.
****************************************
I was 5 years old and didn’t understand what was going on at the time. I remember coming home from school and my parents told me to sit down and watch the news with them. I remember seeing smoking buildings and then later saw those smoking buildings fall. ‘Terrorists have just crashed planes into the Twin Towers in New York as well as various other places.’ The first time I ever heard the word ‘terrorists’.. but definitely not the last. Fast forward a few years, in school on the anniversary of 9/11 we have a moment of silence and then watched a remembrance video. Terrorists are the reason for this we are told. Muslims in America and all over the world are now blamed for what happened. A man wearing the traditional wear for a Muslim is getting on a plane, the other passengers connect him to the 9/11 attacks and request him to be removed from the plane. He’s removed. Snide and hurtful remarks are reared towards the Muslim population,’ they’re all terrorists.”
9/11 came and went. It was a typical day. My family actually didn’t know what really happened on that day 12 years ago so we had a long conversation about it. They seemed just as devastated as any American would. My father is the President of the Atonsu circuit of the Ahamadiyya Muslim Mission and in a recent interview he stated: “Sometimes it baffles my mind when I hear some people trying to label Islam as a violent religion. Islam in actual fact, focuses on humanity and it is not about perpetrating violence against those who do not belong to this faith.” Not once since I’ve been here have I felt threatened in any way.
My host mom’s laughter fills the house everyday. My sisters and I hang out in our rooms and listen to music ad watch movies with each other. The hospitality my family offers to their community. How could they be terrorists? A conversation with my brother was eye-opening. He said, “Not all Muslims are terrorists. In fact, our religion doesn’t teach us to hate. If you hate your neighbor then you are not a Muslim.”
Within the short amount of time with my host family they’ve taught me so much already. From the local dialect of Twi to how to properly eat fufu. Most importantly however, they are teaching me about their religion. My family are Muslims, the suburb I live in is Muslim populated. I have a Mosque right next door to my house and I hear the call to prayer every morning and evening. I’ve attended and participated in their prayer. Religion is a beautiful thing and everyone should be open to learning more about other religions besides their own.. you’d be surprised how much alike they really are.