First of all, I am sorry for going so long without an update and I apologize for the length! I do have a question to ask at the end so if you dont have enough time to read all of this, scroll down for the question.  I have now completed 2 weeks in each country. Unfortunately I was not able to stay in Venezuela more than 2 weeks because of the political issues in my other country  but I had some very interesting experiences while there!

 

I have found that in Venezuela, no one seemed to think anything of me wearing hijab and I was treated exactly like everyone else with perhaps even more respect. For the years I lived in Venezuela I was always the topic of controversy because I dress modestly anyway. I was always made fun of, etc. as many women there tend to be "over exposed."  Interesting to note that I was treated better with what many of them might consider "extreme" modesty.

 

In the USA, I have encountered more reactions by far. I live in an arts district where the people are supposedly open minded. Almost all know me. When I went to the store near my house I felt like I was being interrogated by people who, while I wouldn't consider them friends, know me. "Why are you doing this?" "What's the point?" "Aren't you embarrassed?" and of course the most common question "Did you convert?" I suppose it was a bit of a shock for them.

 

Aside from that, I've had some not-too-pleasant things shouted at me, bad looks and the like. I was surprised by my own reaction to those. I expected some negative reactions, but I took them so completely personally that at times I wanted to cry. Perhaps I'm weak, who know. I know many people are exposed to these things every day.

 

What also surprised me was how I felt wearing hijab. It felt absolutely wonderful! Some of the reasons are rather vain like not having to obsess in the mirror for hours trying to get my hair to cooperate.  But for me, the best thing about it was that I didn't feel exposed. I truly, 100% felt free. Free from having to feel embarrassed by what a man might be thinking when I walked by. Free from catcalls, and most importantly, free from wondering always if I was being "tolerated" in a conversation or at work simply for my looks or proportionate to the amount of skin I was showing which, let's face it, is the case for many women unfortunately in this day and age. I felt that I was taken more seriously when I spoke.

 

It's been an emotional roller coaster and there are many more things I would like to share with you all. I do have a blog and I will be posting the full story there. I will post a link when the time comes.

 

Ok... so here is my question. My school wants pictures of me during this process which I have taken for posterity for myself. Is it appropriate for me to post these pictures on my blog when I am finished? I wouldn't want to do anything disrespectful at the last minute but I've found mixed opinions on this. I know many Muslim women who post pictures on facebook accounts, etc. But I also know some who have said that they don't consider it appropriate.

 

As always, I look forward to hearing from you all!

 

Thanks again! Your words mean a lot to me!

 

Lalli