No Longer In Aceh...

[waarmstrong]

...but now in your forum.

I simplified my name, it was high time. Now the singularity of my e-life and real life is complete.

I was searching for fitting welcome, but me being absent divine inspiration, nothing comes readily to mind.

The rounding up of the usual suspects seems to be nearing completion.

 

[Alia]

Assalamu'alaikum, Dan.

 

[Anglian]

Welcome Dan, a fountain of Islamic knowledge, which is interesting to read

 

[William King]

Hey welcome Dan, I enjoy reading your posts, do not always agree with them, but I do learn from them!

 

[Puspawarna]

I don't mean to pry (oh well, of course I mean to pry - but that doesn't mean you have to answer) but as people who are openly Muslim,how are you and your wife feeling about living in the US these days? Do you feel that the hatred against Muslims that has been stirred up by Trump (aided by several terrorist attacks, unfortunately) has affected your daily routine at all? Do you feel safe going to masjid? Does your wife get hassled for wearing hijab?

 

[nosox]

Hey welcome Dan, I enjoy reading your posts, do not always agree with them, but I do learn from them!

add me to that list, welcome Dan

 

[Jim69]

Welcome Dan, how is life away from Ache?

 

[Dan]

Assalamu'alaikum, Dan.

Wa alaikum salaam, Alia. I hadn't seen you in a minute, as we say.

 

[Dan]

I don't mean to pry (oh well, of course I mean to pry - but that doesn't mean you have to answer) but as people who are openly Muslim,how are you and your wife feeling about living in the US these days? Do you feel that the hatred against Muslims that has been stirred up by Trump (aided by several terrorist attacks, unfortunately) has affected your daily routine at all? Do you feel safe going to masjid? Does your wife get hassled for wearing hijab?

We're a little nervous and waiting to see how the U.S. election pans out and how it will affect our plans. If he's elected, I may just sell the house and retire early in Southeast Asia if I can convince my folks to come stay in Malaysia or Aceh.

I think most Americans don't like Islam or Muslims, but they also believe quite firmly that people have the right to believe what they want to believe.

I don't personally experience any troubles because I'm a white man. Associations between me and Islam are few and far between, even if I am doing Muslim-y things or dressing in Muslim-y ways. People assume that I'm Jewish, because hey... white guy with a skullcap, must be a Jew in a kippah. My wife still experiences some of the normal reactions, but nothing too intense.

We live in the neighborhood I grew up in so we know all our neighbors, even the crazy sovereign citizens across the street who wear their holstered guns wave from time to time.

The new dimension for us is really the kids. I grew up white, I have a poor conception of what it's like being the "other." Sofia and Chiara, they're growing up very differently in a time where being that kind of different is a challenge. It makes me uneasy, and we're considering our options for their education and well-being. That's my sole concern, not too worried about bricks being thrown in the windows of the masjid or harassment for us... just worried about my little bugs.

 

[Puspawarna]

The new dimension for us is really the kids. I grew up white, I have a poor conception of what it's like being the "other." Sofia and Chiara, they're growing up very differently in a time where being that kind of different is a challenge. It makes me uneasy, and we're considering our options for their education and well-being. That's my sole concern, not too worried about bricks being thrown in the windows of the masjid or harassment for us... just worried about my little bugs.

Thanks for the insights! Hang in there.

I know what you mean about the kids. I'm so disgusted with what is happening the US these days, and we are so close to our retirement in a place that is relatively isolated from the nastiness (Hawaii) that I am tempted to shake my head in despair and then bury it deeply in the sand. But I can't, because I have an 18-year-old who is going to have to make his way, in the coming years, through whatever craziness America decides to make of itself.

I hope that your children's background turns out to be an asset, in that it will give them a rich perspective on the world and they will be able to contribute as part of a multi-cultural, mutually respectful society. But only time will tell. Actually no matter what happens, the pendulum is likely to swing in the other direction eventually. The question is, how fast and extreme will the swings be?

 

[Alia]

Wa alaikum salaam, Alia. I hadn't seen you in a minute, as we say.

Ya, I was quite busy with my life. If its not because of Atlantis' email I might still be away from this forum .

There was some life changing moment that happened makes me now need to help my husband with his company, while still working on my own. All this time I have taken it for granted and just believed in him and that everything will runs smoothly, but apparently not. Interference needed if we still want this to work. I hope that both (his company and mine) can synergy just fine and I don’t need to choose which one is more important than the other.

That little one in your profile is Chiara ? She’s so lovely, how old is she ?

 

[Dan]

She'll turn one in three days, yep, that's Chiara. Sofia is almost 4.

Hopefully I can send my wife and kids back to Indonesia early next year for about six months. I have to stay and toil, but it's important that Chiara finally get to see her grandparents. I signed up for a cross cultural marriage, and sometimes it's very, very challenging.

 

[Pak Asam Manis]

Good to see ya even if I may not read all of your posts. You know how it is... like alkohol, "religious posts" should be consumed with moderation. Hey! But the party wouldn't be complete without it and you two (cat mug shot).

Irae, mon (sorry, don't see the reggae smiley)



Assalamualaikum wr wb Dan.

 

[missydookie]

Welcome, Dan! I've always enjoyed your insightful and thoughtful posts so I'm delighted to see you onboard the new forum.

 

[tihzho]

That's OK. I usually don't read my posts either. I've gradually reduced my habit to roughly "once a month."

Your email drew me in, and all my favorite people are here.

Hey Dan, formally in Aceh! Welcome