A sincere thank you, and a favor

My dear friends,A heartfelt thank you to each of you for reading the blog this month, and for continuing to be such loyal followers of 30days30deeds.com. I know it isn't easy, there is so much vying for our attention on the Internet; and the posts were long this time, as I wanted to do some justice to the inspiring stories I was entrusted with. But you followed along, and brought your friends on board, and I am very grateful.  I remember the first year we started, I would check how many readers we had and wonder who are these wonderful 35 or so people reading; since this started off as an exercise for my family, I was happy family around the world was tuning in.  Through the years, others have found the blog; I've been particularly touched to hear from non-Muslims who have shared that they now look forward to Ramadan in anticipation of the blog. Thank you so much. This was our fifth year and readership was at an all time high -- more than the past two years, combined. Over 10,000 people, in every corner of the world, from Australia to Zambia.To be honest, I was thinking of wrapping it up after five years. But I'm feeling emboldened. If you'll join me, let's keep going. If you have ideas for next year's theme, please let me know. One thought is '30 days 30 images' - an image each day capturing the beauty of our faith in all its aspects, from devotion to service, art to every day life, with a caption highlighting its significance.I want to also ask you a favor. I feel honored to have been invited to speak about the blog and my writing at the State Department this Wednesday; it's a panel with distinguished writers, filmmakers and producers on "The Power of Storytelling: Highlighting the Voices of Muslim Women". I am excited for the opportunity, humbled to be included in such august company, and a bit nervous. I want to be able to share your reflections - what you may have gained from reading the personal stories on the blog this year, and in years past; why it may have meaning for you; and especially for non-Muslims, how it may have helped promote understanding or dispel misperceptions.  Please share your thoughts; specific examples will help me articulate the importance of sharing our personal stories to nurture understanding and promote our common humanity.Thank you sincerely. Until next year, iA.Love, Salma