Bismillah...
When we were moving here, I emailed one of the local women's group at a local mosque and asked for advice. That was after contacting bloggers, random people and friends of friends of friends. Thanks to every single person who stepped up and answered my emails, or searched around for whatever we needed.
On the Muslim front, I didn't get a great response from them, just the basic cut and paste information- guess it was better than nothing right?!
Today baba and I were riding the bus through the city, so I could see my route to work, and we found the most perfect area (close to my new job) and we found a mosque. I was so excited, and felt it was a sign - of what, I have no idea. We were looking at all the buildings to see what was there. It was hard to see the houses, because they are in the streets. The city (the mayor) is also building a new LRT section there so it 's on my list of potentials. e keep talking about "renting", but buying is lingering at the back of our minds.
The weather isn't great outside- there's still snow on the ground, but I got a feel of what the place looks like. Whenever we see or visit a new neighborhood, I try to envision it through the eyes of the girls. How will they fit into the neighborhood and activities.? How will they get around? What about schools.
This neighborhood is in the SW quadrant, and it looks pretty safe and well-built. So back to the Muslim thing. Right from the start we knew we wouldn't be in the "ethnic" area of Calgary; people kept telling us not to bring the girls there (NE). So we went to the (SE). We see some Muslims there- very close to our apartment, but they are quite unfriendly and only stick with people from their ethnic group. Needless to say, baba and I stick out- sometimes we even get sour looks.
I always wanted to live close to Muslims and a mosque, but I don't want to live where I will feel out of place - as if we don't already, lol. I had this picture in my mind of baba taking Hassan to the mosque every week. We'll see, inshaAllah.
