Silly "Bahraini" Girl

Over at Mahmood's Den, Merlin sarcastically asks me:

silly”bahraini”girl, hows the Canadian citizenship thing going? Nearly there?

While usually cool-headed, that sneaky comment made my blood boil - for to tell you the truth, it really hurt. It hurt because it's my third year here and the thought never crossed my mind. It hurt because I have never quite settled down here and my entire life, existence, friends and interactions rotate around Bahrain and everything Bahraini. It hurts because I see my transition here as temporary. It hurts because I felt I was being singled out as a traitor. And it hurts most because it really is a common sense to seek some form of protection - especially for something like me, who with one wrong slip of the keyboard could find myself "behind the sun."

Merlin,
I am a Bahraini. A Bahraini. And a Bahraini. Bahrain is my country, identity and soul. And you can hit as much as you want under the belt and think what you want to think, but I am as Bahraini as every other decent Bahraini - if not more.

My stay here is not for a citizenship or a passport. I have unique circumstances which I don't think you would understand. I have a country and a family and a home. I have friends and roots in Bahrain. I am a Bahraini. I don't need an Exit Plan B or a Plan C. My destiny is in Bahrain. I was born there and insist on being buried there and won't have it any other way.

I am a Bahraini - Merlin - born to Bahraini parents. I have a very Bahraini family. I lived all my life in Bahrain. I live Bahrain. I dream Bahrain.

If it is any consolation to you, I feel HOMESICK every single day. If it means anything to you I CRY my eyes out missing my home, and country, and family and friends every minute. I am here, but my heart is there. I am in Canada, but my soul is back home.

These are emotions and feelings you won't understand. A Bahraini never leaves his country by choice. A Bahraini is a Bahraini is a Bahraini wherever he goes.

And if ever I am in a situation where I will have to give up my nationality or if I was ever stripped of my nationality by force - I will still be a Bahraini and a proud one too.