I didnt know it at the time but the words that Ismael was...

I didnt know it at the time but the words that Ismael was teaching me to write were things like ism or Malik al-ard. He said, Sabina, the best way to learn the Arabic language is with the Quran. I didnt know what the Quran was! I had very little exposure to Islam. Ismael always said, Sabina your Faith is beautiful and you love God. Dont let anyone hurt that... only God is One. Do not forget Sabina... God is One. Things changed a bit. I was living inside the Walls of the Old City.

My little room looked like a cave made from stone with a vaulted roof. Winters were freezing cold and wet. Spring cloaked the country in colors, summer was…