Over Memorial Day weekend, we took a quick trip to visit my family in Mcallen. The big event was my sister, Sondra and her daughter, Mariam (my neice) were being reunited after being apart for over 18 years. I know it has been a tough journey for both and it was such a blessing to see them come together with so much joy and love especially after so many tears had been shed over the years.Mariam was born in Dallas, Texas but moved to Morocco, Africa with her parents when she was about 6 years old. A few years later, her parent's divorced and Mariam's mom decided to return to the US. Unfortunately, Mariam did not return with her and was raised by her father's grandparents in Morocco and is Muslim. Her father remarried and had 3 more children. She became fluent in Arabic and French and knows a little Spanish and English. She went on to study at a culinary school in Morocco and is now a pastry chef. She recently married before coming to the US and is now waiting for her husband to join her. She is living with her mom and stepfather, Mazen. Mazen is Lebanese so he speaks a little arabic and can be a translator. Mariam is adjusting very well and is starting to bake pastries with the hopes of owning her own business one day.
Here we are waiting at the airport for Mariam to arrive.
Mom and daughter seeing each other for the first time!
Mom and grandparents with Mariam!
Mariam at home!
