Raising three amazing children is a wonderful adventure.  They have so much joy, curiosity, and sincerity.  Teaching them is as much about my learning as it is theirs.  My husband and I will face difficult parenting decisions as they grow, as I am Christian, and he is Muslim.

The best part about being a Christian is that I know Jesus loves everyone, which brings me a great sense of peace.  If my children are given options and explore both Christianity and Islam, then I will be happy.  The point of religion is not to force your ideas onto someone, but to love God and love your neighbor.  A personal relationship with God is integral, and that is not found in a church or a mosque, but rather in your heart and soul.

Before we left to visit my husband’s family in Saudi Arabia, I prayed about how to handle being asked to pray in the Islamic manner (Salat—ritual Islamic prayer).  I felt assured that no matter what way I prayed, I was still praying to God and giving thanks.  I would often pray with my husband’s Mom, and it felt good.

One aspect of the life in Saudi Arabia that is different is the way religion is woven into the fabric of society.  The stores are closed during the prayer times, and life halts to worship God.  Although this is clearly not a separation of religion and state as in the U.S., it does have the aspect of stopping work to honor God on Sunday, a time when many stores are closed here.

In Islamic-based countries, you will hear the call to prayer, which is a beautiful sound to hear.  It beckons you to be open to receive God’s glory, and it is almost like a sweet melody that gives your daily life a musical overture.