Day 4: Love Thy Neighbor

"Serve Allah, and join not any partners with Him; and do good - to parents, kinsfolk, orphans, those in need, neighbors who are near, neighbors who are strangers, the companion by your side, the wayfarer (ye meet) and what your right hands possess: For Allah loveth not the arrogant, the vainglorious."  Surat El-Nissa 4:36

We live in a global neighborhood. Literally. In the dozen or so homes on our street, we have neighbors from Belgium, Turkey, Switzerland, Peru, Malawi, Israel, Korea, Pakistan, Holland, Russia, and the United States.  Our mini-UN cul-de-sac can provide some useful lessons on international collaboration, especially in times of need.  During the massive snow storm two years ago, when the kids and I were home alone without electricity for 48 hours, our next door neighbor trudged through thigh-high snow several times a day to bring us wood, light the fire, and make sure we were safe.  Another neighbor often rides his tractor up and down driveways scooping away the snow before much of the street is even awake; another helps with our lawn; another shares delicious vegetables from her organic garden.  Plus there's never been a need to run to the grocery store for that forgotten recipe essential.Today, we started to plan an Iftaar dinner for our wonderful neighbors as a small gesture of thanks and as a way to share our cultural traditions and to learn about theirs.  The kids handed out the moon and star cookies up and down the street, often being invited in to share their summer stories.  My friend Rebecca and I delivered the remaining invitations during our evening walk.  And mom and I started planning the menu.   We'll break our fast on the deck, with dates, samosas and lassi; do prayers in the family room and talk about the spirit of Ramadan; followed by dinner -- biryani, kebabs, curries, and mango ice cream for dessert. We're so looking forward to having everyone over.In the above verse from the Quran, neighbors is mentioned twice -- referring to neighbors who live physically close by,  but also neighbors on a larger scale.  We all live in a global neighborhood. And it's essential to care for our global neighbors.  In this regard, Rebecca and I started planning what MoverMoms could do to help alleviate the tremendous suffering in Somalia.  The news is heartbreaking: millions on the verge of dying from starvation.  We may be a small group of moms, but we've got to do something -- and as one of our favorite quotes reads: “Never underestimate the power of a few committed people to change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."  Day 4: Deed 4: Helping to nurture our local and global neighborhood.