Practicing my religion is a big part of my daily life as is the custom in my family back in Senegal. We have mosques almost at the corner of every block. Five times a day, Muslims need to complete their Salah and the recommended place is the mosque because the reward triples when we pray in group. In Senegal, you never need your phone to remind you that it’s time to pray. Whenever it’s time, the beautiful chants of the Muezzins, all around the country, call for people to go pray. I used to go to the mosque every time with my family to accomplish that duty as there was one right in front of our house. However, coming to the US has made it very difficult for me to do that. The times are very different and I never hear the Muezzins’ calls for prayers. I can’t go to the mosque anymore to pray regularly because my work schedule, my school schedule, and my location does not allow me to. Whenever I see this mosque, it reminds me of the beautiful moments I spent with my family worshiping God, and it makes me miss my country so very much. Although immigration has lot of benefits, it sure does not facilitate the practice of my religion.

– S.ND

Relationship:  Child of im/migrant Child of im/migrant