On our way to Mecca we had to stop at a certain place and make our Ihram (our intention for Umrah) before continuing on our journey. The place to wash yourself was very crowded as was the area for prayer. I was seriously trying to keep it all together, but doubts were creeping in as to my ability to keep my temper in check on the way to my Umrah. I couldn't understand why we left a 5 star hotel only moments before, showered and clean, and then had to go and wash ourselves in an area that was overly crowded and dirty. I was seriously thinking that my Mind, Body and Soul Mission Summer 2008 was severely off track. Nevertheless, I made my intention, I prayed and we returned to the bus. Our trip into Mecca was without incident and we were all very hungry when we arrived. We ate around 11:30 p.m. and then returned to our rooms to shower and perform our Umrah. The whole area where the Holy Mosque is located is really overwhelming beautiful. I couldn't help but think of all the history surrounded by large, towering skyscrapers. It is a sight to behold. We entered the Mosque and the first thing you notice are the people. That whole area is full of people, day and night. At night, there is enough lighting to make you feel as if it is daylight outside. We pushed our way down to the main area where the Kabba is located and we started our Umrah. Thankfully, we were able to complete our curcumbulations around the Kabba very quickly. The only problem was that you could not be focused on your prayers or supplications due to the people stopping in the middle of everyone, to pray, supplicate, or to just stand in awe of the Kabba. Emad wanted me to get closer to the inside area of the traffic to see everything, but I prefered to stay on the outside lane. Wheelchairs and their drivers were hissing and bumping into people, bodies pushing and shoving, random persons stopping to pray in the middle of your stride, people pressing their bodies up to the Kabba to wipe clothing, even themselves on the Kabba. I felt I constantly had to look out for what the other person was doing, step around or over someone, and to keep a look out for wheelchairs behind me that might knock me down. When we moved onto the Safwa and Marwa, I was disappointed, as I had a whole list of what I wanted make supplications for and to show gratitidue for while I was in the Kabba area, and I never got to do one. I never knew that the next feat would prove to be impossible. With all the construction, the area for Safwa and Marwa was very hot and congested. I think I ran the whole seven rounds and at one point was almost lifted off the ground and pushed through by the crowd. We completed our Uhmrah and I had not made one of my supplications. We prayed the morning prayer and went back to our room. We were thoroughly exhausted and we managed to get some rest and went to pray the noon prayer in the mosque. I do beleive this prayer for the noon prayer was my breaking point.

Until next time,

A Woman of Egypt