March 9th, 2019…
My travel papers are ready! and I am flying back to Dubai….
:)
Earlier this year, I was trying to avoid having any deadlines around my birthday.. I was able to avoid it to a certain extent. My plan was to take the weekend off and relax!
Little did I know, I would have this encounter with my AT (Amsterdam Thief), which resulted in me staying in the Netherlands for two weeks. It was hard as not knowing when you can travel back meant I couldn’t deliver on certain commitments. For someone like me who tries her best to deliver on her promises, having no control over this matter was hard for me to process.
It took lots of time and energy and despite being in a beautiful place with lovely supportive people, it was not a vacation. I had to work within a system that was not always sensible and dealing with uncertainties is never comfortable.
I have been very conscious recently about time being wasted. It seems like whatever I get concerned about, it persists and reveals itself in dramatic ways as if it wants to remind us that we have no control and it can get worse. It was a challenge trying to make the best out of a trip that lasted way longer than the scheduled three days without money, credit cards, passport and IDs. I had the support of friends in the Netherlands who helped me get through this. It was however challenging on many fronts and it came after two exhausting weeks in Baghdad.
Despite what happened, I feel very fortunate to have had this experience. It didn’t kill me as I am still alive hahahahaha. I am stronger today because of it. Although I don’t approve of my Amsterdam Thief act, it forced me to tread uncomfortable zones and pushed me to deal with my issues with time. I had to surrender to the idea of “time being lost” and make the most out of it.
I am very appreciative of my Frame Lab / Frame Awards experience and we have shared a video of it. I am also very appreciative for the speaking opportunity at Pakhuis de Zwiiger and for my interview at nrc.nl newspaper.
Big huge thanks to Umayya Abu Hanna, Badia Nasif and Raya Basil for your love and gracious support. Many Thanks to my family and my FB friends for all your messages of care and support.
I am also thankful for all your Birthday wishes.
I wish you all the very best….with much love and appreciation 
<3
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