I walked down the street, Paris coughing its winds into my pale skin. My eyelashes were soon clumped with the snowfall sweeping across the pin-top skyscrapers of the city. Suitcases and coats passed by down the snow covered street. I felt enchanted by the subtle snobbery of Paris. I heard the lullabies of a suburban
Family
Celebration of Eid al-Fitr
Eid al-Fitr means the celebration of the end of Ramadan and giving donations to those in need in the community, which are called Fitrana. The significance of this holiday is to celebrate the completion of Ramadan. Ramadan is the holy month of fasting, in which one eats before sun up and does not eat or
Summers at the Cabin
When it comes to my family’s cabin, tradition is the most important thing. We find ourselves there the same time every year, doing the same things, enjoying the same company. Every time we visit the cabin, we leave feeling completely refreshed. I don’t remember a year when we didn’t pack up and head out to
Making Yourself Worthy
Eboo Patel is the founder and Executive Director of Interfaith Youth Core (IFYC), a Chicago-based institution building the global interfaith youth movement. I met Brother Wayne in the spring of 1997, when I was living and working in Chicago after university. Besides being a Catholic monk, Brother Wayne had a PhD in philosophy and had
Is it Just as Important to Learn How Others Celebrate?
My dad steps out of the car, looks around at the surrounding stores, and grumbles. “I can’t believe how much this area has changed.” He sighs. “When I was growing up, this was an entirely Hungarian neighborhood.” My brother and I exchange amused smirks. Now it’s my turn to complain. “Seriously dad? We visit Grandma
Celebrating Diwali
The autumn sun warmed up my bare arms and legs. Looking up, I saw the turquoise sky and the ragged clouds. I walked to the other side of the terrace. The lakeside was adorned with milk-white, feather-like kaash flowers. The lake water was almost as blue as the sky, with tints of golden sunlight, gleaming
My Dad, Greg Mortenson
Ever since I can remember, my dad, Greg Mortenson, has been going overseas to help people. He builds schools and promotes education in really remote parts of Pakistan and Afghanistan. He wrote a book called Three Cups of Tea. Maybe you’ve heard of it. My dad travels for work a lot, but my brother, Khyber,
My Bubba
Yesterday I found a picture of me and you, You were healthy when I was two. You were holding me tightly with a big smile on your face, With a look of love that time can’t erase.
