KAKADU, JULY 1998.
I usher the next patient into my consulting room. She has fair skin
and freckles. She wears Islamic head-dress which covers her neck and
her arms. I look at her file: her name is Fatima Yasmin.
I introduce myself and she replies in a perfectly ordinary Australian accent.
Always curious, I ask: are you descended from the old Afghan cameleers?
No.
Did you marry a Muslim?
No, I’m not married.
So you converted to Islam?
Yes, and that’s when I took the name. I was a Colquhoun before that.
The rest of my family still are Colquhouns.
I wonder, then enquire: do you say your prayers five times a day?
Yes.
Which way do you face when you’re praying?
She indicates a direction north and west – the direction of Mecca, the
direction too, of Jerusalem, towards which I turn in prayer three
times a day.
Are there any other Muslims in Kakadu?
No.
So you are the entire Islamic Community of Kakadu?
Yes.
It’s a pleasure to meet you. Meet the Jewish Community.
howardgoldenberg 
Nice.
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nev
i was unaware that you posted this comment
i was unaware that you saw the blog
now that i am aware i’ll be hyperaware, and trying to please, trying to defy my master
i hope you are well
affectionately
howard
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This made me smile, thank you Howard. I also learned where the Colquhouns come from. Double thanks! xx
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o ximena
i just found your comment now – very belatedly
i have to admit i made up the name colquhoun, which was the name of my physical education teacher in 5th grade and not the name of my patient, which i changed for reasons of her confidentiality
keep reading, ximena; there’ll be another story of a similar encounter
howard
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This brought tears to my eyes……. thank you for an inspiring comment for the day
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hello liferite
very very belatedly i found your comment
thank you
i hope to post a similar story – an encounter in a mosque in christmas island
i am glad you feel as i do
warmly
howard goldenberg
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This brought tears to my eyes – thank you!
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