31st July - Zahir-Abbas Sumar of Neptune

Well, how do I begin this time?
Before I begin, I would refer you to the mentor diary for the second day just so that you can get used to my style of writing and any references I link to that entry.

So, I have begun again and let me just say what a journey its been……So far!
I am now coming to the end of this amazing endeavour but as I’ve been told many a time, it is merely the beginning of the end.

Whichever way it is, beginning ,middle or end, I know that a whole week has passed by blazingly fast and here I am again having the great pleasure of conveying my current state to you, so on to the next section…

How do I feel?
In 2 short words...... Absolutely overwhelmed!

This time the spread of being overwhelmed is over a variety of areas. Not only have I had to be continuously aware of the of the welfare of my planet and the entire campsite, I have to comment on my own health.
I had to be incognito for a day due to ill health (don’t worry, it was nothing serious) and our young Neptunians were in the good hands of Shuayb Bha. So, I am still in my recovery period but Alhamdulillah have resumed my role and have taken on my duties again (thanks to all that covered me while I was snooooozing!).

So, that’s one half of why I am so overwhelmed, the other is similar to my other entry. The campers (and not only the ones that I have been assigned to) have absolutely astounded me with the ways in which they have individually grown and developed - Masha-Allah!

What’s happening right at this moment you ask? (01:46 01st August 2009)
Well, as I sit here from the Columbus common room, we are finishing off one of our very last night meetings. Should I cheer? I think not... Honestly these are the meetings that kept us sane throughout the camp. And no, don't worry your children didn't drive us mad, the lack of sleep did. Now the rest of the CoEJ staff are cleaning up the kitchen and I will begin rounding off my entry.

What about my planet?
Neptune again will be fortunate to serve food tomorrow. One of the last days that we will have all meals in unity, not to mention all salaat in Jamaat (Congregation).
Also, what can I say. I am honestly dumfounded at what each camper has shown me. There were many timid young men presented to me on the day of arrival, but today each and every one of them has been able to crack out of their little shells and find their absolute comfort zone. Alhmadulillah! And yes, they are definitely striving "towards excellence".

My last notes...
This is going to be very brief.
I have had my ups and downs, jokes, laughter and 'talks' with certain campers but in the end I can not iterate just how amazed and changed I am through this camp.
In a nutshell, I couldn't be happier. Allah (SWT) has blessed me with this opportunity and I honestly cannot be more thankful!



Zahir-Abbas Sumar
Planet Neptune Mentor

Sweden 2009