I remember my favorite trip.
I was a lucky woman to be given permission by my husband and family to travel outside our country on my own when the Canadian organization Mennonite Economic Development Associates (MEDA) planned an official trip for me to Canada.
The former Taliban regime in Afghanistan never would have allowed a woman to leave her home without a mahram, or escort. My mother-in-law and my family all asked why would I go on this trip alone? Why not reject this trip? My husband said I should go because he saw how much it meant to me. He said he would take care of the children and our home while I was away.
Two weeks before the trip I went shopping. I found beautiful brown pants and a shirt to match. I also bought a lovely shawl, a new purse, and shoes. Everything was now ready for me to go!
I flew from Afghanistan to Canada via Dubai. On my journey, everything was fascinating—the people, the places, the landscape, even the airports, train stations, and technology. My first stop in Canada was to Halifax to participate in a seminar. I also visited the headquarters of MEDA in Toronto and finally did a television interview in Ottawa.
I especially enjoyed the views of Toronto on those summer nights and I miss the little flowers on the lawns more than I thought I would. And, of course, my favorite food: spaghetti.
This trip was very special to me and a break after all the suffering in my insecure homeland.
I pray to Almighty Allah to bring back such a trip into my life.
By Mariam
photo of Toronto from Olympic Island by Nathan Berger
Mariam, Thank you for sharing your MEDA experience with us. The support and the encouragement of your husband and family showed how much they love and believe in you. I enjoyed reading about your story, and learning the excitement you must have felt preparing for the trip and attending the MEDA conference.
Mariam,
I’m glad you have had the opportunity to travel on your own, and to have the support of your family in your travels and writing. I’m sure you will be an inspiration to other Afghan women and girls seeking more equal participation in society.
Mariam,
It was a privilege and an honour to host you here in Canada. I, too, have many fond memories of your visit, and saw your delight in being able to travel to a new country. I think of you often and hope you and your family are well.
Thanks for writing!
Linda
Mariam,
Thank you for writing this! It was so fun to read, and was very emotional. I hope you get the opportunity to travel again soon!
Mariam, I am so glad that you seized the opportunity to feed your soul with this trip! May you have many more, and thank you for sharing.