I Bought An Abaya

Remember back at the beginning of the school year when I was working through my wardrobe issues, and not able to put on an abaya and still have my game face?  Well, a week ago Friday, our PTO had a rummage sale.  It was awesome~!  I was teaching that day, wearing a long skirt, leggings underneath and a long sleeve blouse.  During my planning period, I went outside and met one of my friends who was working the sale.  She mentioned that there were quite a few abayas there and I should come take a look.  I honestly didn’t think I would find anything that I thought I would like enough to wear, but I was wrong!  There were a few that I really thought would look nice, and I could wear them for working, and they weren’t black!  Sadly, only one was actually the right size.  It’s a beautiful lavender color with ivory and pale yellow embroidery.  I found a scarf that will coordinate at the yard sale also, for those days when I’m teaching and I need to take the students in to pray.  I brought it home, washed and mended the tear in the hem.  When I showed my mother in law, she happily informed me that I had chosen and Egyptian Abaya, and it was very beautiful and I got a great deal.

Yesterday I wore my abaya to school and didn’t feel awkward wearing it.  My ladies told me that it looked like I was wearing a nightgown, but the teachers and parents that commented said it was very flattering.  I taught all day, and even stopped at the library on the way home still wearing my abaya.  People looked at me curiously, the library workers are used to seeing me in all sorts of clothing so I’m sure this will spark a conversation eventually.  The thing is though, that I didn’t feel bad.  I felt like I was wearing something unique and beautiful, but it was okay.  I have grown somehow this year and that realization feels good.