Expensive day out

I took my family out to Kensington Gardens this past Easter Sunday and enjoyed a really nice and relaxed day out. The weather in London has been great all week, and there were lots of people in the park - especially from amongst the affluent English and Arab communities that live round that way. I'd really like to get together with some families and organise a picnic or something like that. Its an easy day out to organise that husbands and wives, and also children will all enjoy. It also might help bring about some more community spirit which i think tends to be lacking in some practising communities.

I think particularly for sisters it would be a good thing. My wife told me that there is a tendency for practising sisters who are married to feel depressed. Because they've internalised the belief that its better for them to stay at home all day long, what with looking after screaming young children and not having the husband home till the evening when he gets his tired butt back from work, it doesn't make for a fun time. You see, with non-practising women they still tend to get together and go out shopping, socialise, go to the cinema, etc. but practising sisters can't or won't do that.

Anyhow, our great day out was brought to an abrupt end when i went back to the place where i'd parked my car and discovered it had been towed away. Yes, i shouldn't have parked in a resident permit-holders only bay, but c'mon, having your car towed away on Easter Sunday? Don't these vultures (parking inspectors) ever take a break? It cost me £200 to get the car released!

Before i close, let me just plug the counselling agency that i'm going to be working with, insha'Allah:

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FREE WEEKLY WALK-IN COUNSELLING AND MEDIATION SERVICES

Date: Every Saturdays
Time: 5pm - 7pm
Venue: Froud Centre, 1 Toronto Avenue, off Romford Road, Manor Park,
London, E12 5JF

This service has been organised due to the increasing number of social problems within the Muslim community and the pitiful lack of support from mosques and Muslim organisations in addressing such issues. The sessions will be run by experienced and practicing Muslim counsellors, and both brothers and sisters will be available. We hope to offer a confidential and professional service to all Muslims with concerns ranging from personal, social, family or academic worries to longer term, often more complex, psychological problems. Attendees will benefit from a one-to-one service.

We will also be joined by the Muslim Mediation Service* who will be offering one-to-one drop in sessions with a Muslim Mediator, where you can discuss any matters arising from any conflicts you are experiencing within the home or the community free of charge.

*The Muslim Mediation Service has been resolving family and community conflicts since 2003. Their trained and experienced Mediators have been supporting individuals, parents and children and couples facing disputes by working with them to resolve their issues through listening, understanding and communicating effectively.

Please note that the initial session will be free and if the person requires further help then they would need to contact alternative services or the individual counsellors themselves. All are welcome.

For more information please contact:
Brothers: 07894 915 183 / 07864 980 890
Sisters: 07909 941 179 / 0770 6187 058
Mediation: 079410 22 371
E-mail: counselling@islamiccircles.org / mediation@islamiccircles.org