Nashville, TN., January 21, 2014~

Dear Journal~

Greetings in the name of our Risen Saviour, Jesus Christ!

This is your friend, Fahid Al Mahood, writing.  I am trying to get past the nightmares of last year.  As you know from my last entry, my ex-husband, Amir, Sr., tried to kidnap my two children, Hadassah and Amir, Jr. (8 and 11), tried to set our house on fire (we got out in plenty of time), and even tried to shoot me while I lay asleep in bed (the bullet grazed my pillow but missed my head by only mere inches).  I have been undergoing counseling several times a week, but I still have nightmares from time to time, especially when there is nothing to do.

I have been trying to stay busy, helping out at church, going out with my kids (or with my best friend, Tula Abarake) every few days, writing in my journal, and and writing my life story, in the hopes that what I went through can help others who may be going through the same hell I did.  If I can just save one life or help women who have been raped or abused in any way, then what I do will be worth it.  It isn't easy reliving the horrors of the past, but if I want to heal for good, then I must tell my story.

People still stare at me whenever I go outside.  I can't help the fact that my face is severely scarred; but plastic surgery has fixed up some of the mess.  I still have plenty of surgery ahead for me, but for now, I try not to focus on that: right now, my family (my children), my friends, and my writing (in addition to my church work) is what takes precedence in my life right now.  I have to stay busy so I don't think of the pain of the past.

WEll, I hate to cut out right now, but Hadassah is calling me; she is having problems with her math homework.  She wants me to help her.  I will write in here again soon; until then, this is Fahid Al Mahood signing off!  Take care and God bless!

~Love, your friend in Tennessee, Fahid.  :)