My third Ramadan in Egypt

Masha Allah this Ramadan is not just my best in Egypt, it's my best ever! Nothing compares to Ramadan spent in a Muslim country. As I sit here typing at 3 in the morning, I hear my neighbors across the hall. They are preparing for iftar later today, in which 32 of their relatives will be joining them! Masha Allah! I don't think I even knew 32 Muslims in my town back home!

My neighbors have people coming and going this evening because tomorrow is Friday--the official day off and Islamic holy day. I love it that families and friends get together like they do here, especially during this month! It's like a month-long party! Even though we are all fasting during daylight hours, the camraderie somehow makes it so much easier. Fasting truly is not difficult if you keep in mind you are doing this strictly for Allah's pleasure. The rewards are so great, especially when it comes time to break your fast. The self-discipline learned is such a blessing. And to know the pangs of hunger and thirst and realize many poor people in this world feel this every day is a lesson worth its weight in gold.

This is a time to develop patience, and empathy for others. And to get closer to Allah, the Lord of all creation. There are a multitude of blessings in becoming closer to Allah, first of which is to feel a private connection between one's self and their Lord. Nothing compares to having a personal relationship with the One, True God.

May Allah bless us all and guide us during this sacred month. And may we always show gratitude to Him who created us.