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A Post-Bosnia Post

The last couple of weeks have been unusually busy. Despite my intention to write an entry about my visit to Bosnia, I have been distracted with other things. However, I’m here today to share with others a few things about my time in Bosnia. To be honest, my thoughts on paper could run well into several pages but I will summarise them here.

The two salient points that are worth mentioning about that country are its people and the landscape both of which did not disappoint.

Of those that we went to deliver immediate aid to, whether it was in the form of essential everyday items in boxes or cash donations, the humility of the recipients was very touching. They accepted graciously but not without offering first to pay it forward to their neighbour or whoever else might be more needy. In addition, many people we met were quick on hospitality and more concerned about our comfort and the trouble we had taken to travel such a distance to meet them. However much they claimed to have been honoured to receive help, the honour was more ours. It was completely humbling to see flood survivors (in Jablanica) more concerned for their neighbours; to meet a man who had saved eleven people, including his wife and young child, on the night of that devastating flood, which could easily have claimed his own life; and then the brave widow of the Srebrenice massacre in July 1995, who lost 22 members of her family and whose only remaining purpose in life is to see justice served for them.

***Broken Homes but not Broken-Spirited***

It is impossible to describe the overwhelming awe and respect I felt for all these individuals. They were ordinary citizens not vying to be immortalised in the pages of a history book. They are quietly continuing with their lives. However, the imprint they left on my mind was permanent. I have met amazing Muslim people in my life but mostly from places where Islam is actively thriving and deeply embedded in the country’s political and social fabric. Bosnia is a country that has only relatively recently had Communisim eviscerated from its being. An entire younger generation is still coming to terms with this new identity and seeking answers in the transition phase. But the people I met on our trail of aid delivery, proved to me that the Islamic character is still at their core and was never completely annihilated. SubhanAllah! Praise is for Allah alone.

Yet it wasn’t only the local people we visited that dared to shake off the preconceptions I had arrived with. Endless conversations with the small group of four young Muslim Bosnian men and their non-Muslim Bosnian female friend, who were our guides and drivers during our trip, provided such a wonderful insight into the history and culture of this country. The bond and mutual respect they all shared for one another was on a level not seen at all here in the UK. Not only had these individuals sacrificed their own time as volunteers to help on this mission, the way they worked together so seamlessly was beautiful to watch. Everyone knew their stations, cooperation was fluid and, to top it off, their good nature and hospitality was unwavering throughout. I couldn’t help feeling that if this group was a true representation of Bosnian youth, then I imagine the country will be going from strength to strength in years to come, inshaAllah.

The other feature of this place that gripped my attention from the moment I landed, was the breathtaking landscape. Towering mountains carpeted with conifers and deciduous trees, which had surrendered their foliage to winter, flanked us on either side as we drove on winding roads through picturesque villages and towns. Transculent green rivers meandered lazily past whilst enticing the observer to their mesmerising beauty.

And then came the snow…

One night, on the way back to our hotel, driving rain had turned to sleet and within minutes that had turned to snow. A pristine white blanket draped itself across everything in its path to create a magical sight all around. It was as if we had been transported into the midst of a classic Christmas card scene. The landscape had been captivating even without the snow but now it was an infinitely more alluring place to be. Less than an hour by the time we had arrived safely back to Sarajevo and the boughs of trees hung low with their load. Red rooftiles had instantly been turned white. It was as if someone had taken a giant salt shaker from above and given the world a generous dusting of snow. It was pure delight and despite the cold, the scenery generated a warm glow within me. Once safely back in Sarajevo, we didn’t miss our chance to step out and relish the snow before it would melt away.

So, these were my two big takeaway observations of Bosnia. I have vowed to return to that place to see it properly as a tourist inshaAllah and learn more about its past, present and future. I am so enamoured of it because I could appreciate the recent struggles its people have bounced back from in terms of the post-Yugoslavian war between 1992-1995. The legacy of that dark chapter in history lives on whether it be through the stories told by the survivors or even the buildings in Sarajevo where the longest siege in modern history (1425 days) bear testimony to the conflict fought there. Despite the pain,there is a resilience which is so palpable.

Often, I had to remind myself that I was in Europe proper although so much around me spoke of Bosnia’s Ottoman/Turkish/Muslim heritage. It is a land at the cultural junction of Europe and Asia; a land where capitalism has overtaken communism; and a land where the Bosniaks are finally taking ownership of their Muslim heritage so long denied to them and their forefathers.

Both on a micro and macro level, the country is in search of its place in history as much as it is in search of its future. I feel honoured to have been allowed a small glimpse into this journey and am hopeful that, although change will be slow and painful, the result will have been worth the wait, inshaAllah.

Charity in Action

Today, I’ve made final preparations for my first-ever trip to Bosnia. I am both nervous and excited as this isn’t a holiday that I’m going on but part of a charity mission. I hope these kind of trips will be more frequent in time to come – as long as my health, time and money allow, inshaAllah.

I plan to keep a journal of sorts whilst I’m out there even if I record some voice notes and take some photos to accompany them. My plan is to write up my notes once back home.

For years, this period of my life is one I’ve been silently waiting for. Not that I was wishing my previous years away. No. However, I can finally say that my sons are old enough to take care of themselves and I can leave them knowing that they can -and will- take care of the house and one another, inshaAllah. I feel as if I’ve experienced a rebirth and am at the beginning of a new chapter. It is not just about looking forward with anticipation for what I hope to see my sons achieve in their individual lives but just as much as what I want to achieve for myself.

Yesterday, my son asked me to share where I expect to see him in the trajectory of his life in five years. After I had answered, I asked him the same of me. It was my way of making him realise that I too have goals and aspirations still (not that he doesn’t know that already). But as much as the focus should be on the younger generation, we older ones shouldn’t be dismissed as having achieved everything we could ever have wanted given our ages.

But back to today/tomorrow…

Although I am about to embark on this trip, I am not naive to think my efforts will bring earth-shatteringly unprecedented changes to those whom I am intending to help. But, I can’t be negative about it either else we should all just be apathetic and say that helping in this way makes little difference. If I didn’t believe this mission was worthwhile, I’d never have signed up. The trip is just as much about sending a message to those around me to raise awareness of the need to do more; that every one has their part to play in ameliorating the condition of others in however modest or grandiose a way they can.

Apathy simply will not do.

I hope I will return to this blog to report on my discoveries out in Bosnia. I’m sure there will be highs and lows but I am also sure it will be a reaffirmation that this kind of work is where I see myself being more involved in time to come.

Nature, Nature Everywhere

Withouth doubt, it is the simplest of things in life that give me the greatest pleasure. Added to that, I love things ad hoc. Spontaneous decisions are the spice of life. Who wants to wake up every day knowing exactly what they’re going to do and when? That kind of predictability is actually so uninspiring.

So it was that this morning I went with my younger two sons to the Kent Downs, an area of outstanding natural beauty. It didn’t disappoint despite the clouds hiding the sun away and hanging over us like a huge grey diaphanous sheet above. Yet the views across the hills were still stunning. What’s more, the absolute peace around us for miles was mesmerising. The only thing which punctuated it every now and then was the gentle cry of a bird or the sussuration of the leaves. No man-made interruptions dared to steal our focus away from what was around us. It was a day of a heightened use of our senses in the natural world – a feast of sights, sounds and earthly smell.

I have often thought how these kind of impromptu days out are things I cherish even more now whilst my health still allows. I am so acutely aware that anything may occur in my life (other than death itself) that will prevent me from doing physical activity of this kind. That’s why, today, I also made it a point to fulfill a long ambition I’ve held for years – to run through a green field in the countryside and let all my stresses dissipate in the process. And it was everything I imagined it to feel like. Just a few minutes or pure abandon, freedom and joy. Not a single soul was around us as the three of us ran as far as we could. I felt the Earth was all mine. Time had no relevance. The future and past simultaneously evaporated and all that was left was the present. Time had taken leave to allow me to indulge in that moment of bliss…

I would happily relive that feeling again and again and hope I will and can. It was such a wonderful connection to Mother Nature.

I’ve learnt late in life that Allah has put possessions in our control that we need to use – and use wisely – to do good either for our physical wellbeing and/or spiritual wellbeing too. Although I do make preparations for a rainy day, I’ve also realised that there is a danger in losing the present in the process. That’s why I no longer calculate certain decisions too much. It’s important to be able to be spontaneous if we are to enjoy life too. And I don’t feel guilty about ‘enjoying life’ since it is rooted in gratitude. I regard myself as quite balanced in the decisions I make which is largely why I’ve managed to get through some difficult times, Alhamdulillah.

The truth is, words such as ‘impromptu’, ‘spontaneous’ and ‘carefree’ should never be only in the vocabulary of young people. They should belong to all. For myself, I will lay claim to these words because I have finally put myself in the front of the queue for all the wonderful things that life has to offer and will not hang around waiting for and watching others take their share and be done. For me, the best years are now and I will do my best to expand the realm I am in now by making every day count, inshaAllah.

***A Gate to Undiscovered Natural Treasures***

Any Regrets?

I’m sure the majority of adults have had that question asked to them when it comes to reflecting on their lives so far. The responses will be varied and some would say they wish they could go back to their youth and do things differently. Others are quite content and simply keep looking forwards instead of back. I try to subscribe to the latter group.

There’s no point in lamenting things which can’t be undone. That would be missing out on life twice over. A waste of energy and time. And time is something we clearly have less of as we grow older so all the more reason not to ponder too much but keep pushing on.

I personally don’t have any deep regrets about decisions I’ve made in the past. Perhaps the one thing I do wish I had opted for was a degree which had led to a specific vocation rather than an open-ended one which specialised in nothing in particular. It’s not that I ever wanted to be a doctor, lawyer or engineer (the staples of an Asian career spectrum). However, I do wish I had geared myself more towards paid work in the charity sector where I was more involved in the decision-making process which would have a direct impact on others’ lives. More than my marriage coming to an end (which would normally been seen as a huge unravelling in someone’s life) I wish I had chosen an academic path that aligned better with my work goals.

Despite that, I don’t dwell on it too much. Alhamdulillah, I achieved and experienced things in-between which many others have not and am acutely aware of those blessings. Now, as I move into my latter years and that constant impending feeling that this peaceful phase may be disrupted at any time by ill health, a change of financial circumstances or even death itself, my mindset is still one full of hope and optimism. I look forward to not only what my sons are hoping to accomplish for themselves in their own lives, but my own unfinished business on this earth.

Above all, there is peace in my life, Alhamdulillah. To be in that condition is something not to be underestimated when all around me there is chaos in the world. That’s not to say I don’t have my share of personal worries. No, they will always be there. But I have learnt to have the upper hand and not let them overwhelm me. Through the peace I have and the advantage point I stand in, I aim to ameliorate the condition of others, albeit in a small way. Insha’Allah, I hope to continue to live out my days with this ambition fulfilled.

A Good Read

It is a global tragedy that good old-fashioned books are anything but fashionable. Long gone are the days when we would find commuters with their noses buried in a book or newspaper, absorbed by the words which had the enviable ability to transport them to another place, far away from the monotony of their realities. The replacement of the mobile phone is the silent pandemic that has taken an unprecedented hold of the world’s population. With that is the lamentable loss of deep soul-searching through esoteric subjects inscribed on hard-copy pages. Instead, too many humans have become brain-dead robots mindlessly doom-scrolling through memes, reels and inconsequential feeds.

That’s why sitting on the Tube recently, watching commuters who have succumbed to their ”smart’ phones, was such a disappointing sight. They are all so engrossed in meaningless nonsense; I’m convinced the majority of material which is viewed on these journeys is stuff that could wait or simply isn’t important at all. It’s just a distraction from the boredom of looking around or daring to letting one’s imagination take hold and be transported to another fantastical realm. Since when did humans need to be ‘entertained’ constantly? Learning to live with boredom is a skill that is no longer honed.

***The Things We Miss when Doomscrolling***

Having owned a mobile phone for some years, I still refuse to sit on a train or in a car and be consumed by it. I only take my phone out of my bag if I receive a call or am expecting messages which need to be seen then and there. It’s not the easiest of tasks to refrain from but it is definitely achievable. I remind myself that I don’t want to succumb to that level of dependency or addiction to a device which I need to have control over and not vice-versa. Had I been someone who needed to make a regular commute on public transport, I know I would gladly allow myself to be absorbed into a book. That would be my reverie. The feeling of touching real tangible pages that can be turned with my fingers, that can even be smelled especially when that book is new, is something that no device can come close to replicating.

Strangely enough, when I was on the Tube this week, I did see a young man busy with a thick story book – a rare breed of his generation. It was a refreshing sight knowing that so many of his age would rather be wasting time on social media. It was a glimmer of hope that some people still will understand the distinct pleasure to be gained from a traditional read. I know generations before us would lament that we never knew the beauty of using a quill pen or reading from a scroll – each generation feels that sense of loss as new tools come to replace the old. However, there is no denying the irreversible changes that modern technology has brought upon us and many of them are destructive to our health, both mental and physical.

Perhaps I am demonising new technology too much. Perhaps I am romanticising life before the invention of the mobile phone as I know there are many advantages of technological advances. However, it seems that the nefarious uses of phones and computers have overtaken many of our lives. And I see the irony that I am writing my blog on a laptop which will be read online – exactly the format I would rather steer away from. Yet, I still aim to make reading from a traditional book a continuous part of my existence. It is a pastime that I have always cherished and an escapism which is unparalleled by other activities. I also believe it is a great way to offset dementia which is something that seems to be on the increase amongst older people. I am sure there is a direct correlation to online activities and many ailments which people suffer from now.

There is no doubt the internet is here to stay. But the same needs to be said more vociferously for the good old-fashioned book as well.

***Online or Old-fashioned?*** ***No Real Competition***

All the Reassurance I Need

There are times in life, when we plod along with the routine of things but, simultaneously, question the impact we are making with those actions. I am sure many people are familiar with that feeling.

In my role as private tutor for children preparing to enter the grammar school system in the UK, I act as mentor, teacher and sometimes even mother. There are so many layers to the personality I present when sat face-to-face with my students. Given they come with their own unique characters as well, I have learnt to adapt my teaching style to suit the individual needs of each of them. Doing this week after week, month after month – being the one who always tries to keep them propped up – can be quite draining on me. After all, sometimes it feels like a performance I have to deliver to get the best out of them! Towards the end of each academic year, I often feel exhausted having worn so many hats through the months leading up to the actual exam.

And then the kids go away, do their exams and a few weeks later I wait with baited breath for their results. In that time, I begin to doubt myself. I question whether I had given them all the correct tools to do well. “Did I go through all the topics thoroughly? Were there any issues I had not addressed well? Should they have done more preparation beforehand?” The list goes on…

Again, this year was no exception. However, Alhamdulillah, last week on results’ day, I received good news from all the parents, one by one. It was a truly self-gratifying moment and I could finally exhale with relief. Each student had done me proud not to mention themselves. To be honest, I can confidently say that I have a very good estimation of each student’s performance and my predictions are usually quite accurate. In fact, the one child this year I didn’t expect to make it through, despite my attempts, finally did pass which was a positive surprise. It is times like these, that I feel re-energised to go through the rounds once again and push forward with the next batch of children I have on my list.

Parents do express their gratitude for my guidance and input and although I know I try to go beyond what is expected of me, I do so because of a conscience that connects me to my Muslim identity – I am responsible for the children who I teach and want to imbue in them a thirst for knowledge and a self-confidence to seek their true potential. It was something I never was given myself as a child and I recall the frustration I felt. Although I am not bitter about it, I don’t wish to see opportunities wasted where they could be had for others.

With Allah’s help, I hope to continue to positively impact the lives of people I encounter in my daily interactions. Whether it be saying ‘hello‘ to that elderly neighbour who has not communicated with anyone for days, or helping someone believe in themselves in terms of their education, I know there is a higher purpose to living. I don’t need to be rich and/or famous to be able to do any of these things. All it takes is an altruistic mindset that believes in ‘enabling’ rather than ‘disabling’. It is also not about accolades from people although these are not unwelcome. Ultimately, the vote of confidence I always hope to achieve is with Allah.

Memories or Materials?

One of the advantages of being older is having greater wisdom. It isn’t always a guaranteed attribute a person accrues with age but it would be rather strange if it didn’t occur as well. I’d like to think I haven’t totally missed out on that score.

At this end of life, it becomes more evident that “less is more”. As people think of winding down and slowly letting go of their hold on the world, so the desire for material things diminishes. We realise that there is no need to accumulate stuff. A lot of it becomes a burden. In the pursuit of peace and contentment, we understand that having fewer possessions is synonymous with fewer worries. At least that’s my belief and nowadays I try to get rid of objects that serve me no true purpose. It leaves less to worry about and the sense of loss is subsequently also reduced.

I’ve always advocated a simpler life where if I can manage to pay my bills and live modestly but comfortably, then that suits me fine. Alhamdulillah, I am there now and have been for a while. No doubt, like all people, I’ve lived through some desperate times but have managed to pull through which is why I’ve learnt to ride the waves that come my way rather than be drowned by them.

I don’t covet to be part of the latest trend or object of material desire. I have accepted that there are some things in life that will always be beyond my reach and perhaps it’s better that way. Having them in my hands might just be the ruin of me in terms of my spiritual health. Instead of focussing my attention on those things, I now cherish meaningful moments I have with family and friends. The impact of those experiences is much deeper and longer-lasting. When a collection of photos appears on my phone, I smile as I relive those times with the people cloest to me. They are priceless! No material possession could ever compete with that kind of happiness.

My trip to Malaga earlier this year is a case in point. I had secretly vowed that one day I would take my sons on a trip somewhere to create memories for ourselves. It was just as I had hoped for…and more, Alhamdulillah. Each and every time I look back at the photos, I remember that we all had a fantastic time together. From the amazing Spanish churros dipped into steaming hot chocolate to our excitement at having completed the Caminito del Ray excursion, all were indescribably blissful moments to be treasured.

Then there are the many times I have met with my own sisters for breakfast, coffee or lunch be it at one of our homes or outside. Every occasion was wonderful and I know we all derived great pleasure in one another’s company. Again, perhaps it’s because we are all at the latter end of life and value these things more than before. Whatever the reason, it’s blindingly obvious that I would choose this life than to be lonely and yet have every material whim catered for.

And to be clear, it’s not that I do not succumb to material desires every now and then. That would be a disingenuous claim. Of course, I have wanted things and have followed those wishes through. However, I would consider myself neither extravagant nor miserly. I subscribe to the middle path which is the Sunnah (prophetic teachings) anyway. I don’t feign poverty nor a luxurious life. I believe this attitude has allowed me to live within my means and never overstretch nor deliberately inhibit myself. More importantly, it has freed up my mind to accommodate the memory of countless experiences, big and small, with the people who mean the most to me and without whom my life would have been void of any happiness.

***Places where Memories are Made and not Bought***

A Late Bloomer

There are plenty of examples of people who have overcome all sorts of hardships and obstacles to achieve what they have wanted to achieve albeit at a much advanced stage of life. I may be one of them.

Whilst there’s the opinion some hold to say, “What’s the point now?”, I know that life has taught me never to give up. Even if my dream is one of the last things I ever manage to do. As long as I have life, I have breath. And as long as I have breath, I have hope. Perhaps it’s an unashamed tenacity that quietly feeds my dreams. Whatever it may be, I’m glad it’s there because it’s the fuel that keeps propelling me forward. Whether I move in short bursts of action or large continuous strides, is not the point. The main thing is that I am moving.

With that in mind, I can now confirm that I am planning to go to Bosnia next month on a charity mission. This type of work has always been my lifelong dream. When my former role in the last charity I was involved with came to an abrupt end, I vowed I would keep searching for a new alternative. Alhamdulillah, an opportunity recently presented itself and the time was ripe for me to grasp it. I am excited yet nervous. The trip will only be for a few days but I hope its impact on me will a longlasting positive one, inshaAllah.

It needs to be said that, as a mother, I would not – and could not – ever take my finger off the pulse when it comes to what my sons are doing in their lives. I look forward to seeing them progress through life and achieving new goals all the time. However, I also realise that my own life is full of aspirations still and these should not be compromised wherever possible. I have reached a point where I can put myself first for a change and not feel guilty for doing so. Like so many women out there, I sacrificed the middle years of my life on a seemingly permanent ‘standby’ mode whilst busying myself in raising my family. No regrets there and it is a task for which the joy and reward are indescribable. But that phase of waiting for ‘my time’ has now passed and I can finally put thoughts into action.

InshaAllah, this upcoming mission to Bosnia will be the harbinger of change for me and a reassurance to myself that I still have something to offer the world, however modest that contribution may be. I know I am not indispensable; I don’t suffer delusions of grandeur on that score. But I want my life to have a greater richness other than just paying bills and surviving. I want to continue reaching into the depths of my soul and find material there that will take me closer to Allah with each step.

Feeling Unstuck

It’s been eight years since I had to restart life on my own with my sons. Unsurprisingly, the first couple of years (especially) were the hardest for obvious reasons. However, these days I feel that dark episode of my life is a distant memory, Alhamdulillah. I can confidently say that I am living my best life now. Unfettered by demands from another and what with my sons all being young adults carving out their own niches for themselves, a huge weight has shifted from my shoulders.

Whilst I still remain the captain of the ship in terms of household bills and chores, recently I have been able to delegate much more and hope to continue to do so, inshaAllah. This has helped release me from a prison mentality where I have been constantly fretting about my short-term priorities, especially financial stresses. Now that my sons are able to step up and help, I am able to enjoy some liberation.

It really is time for ME now.

With that mindset, last week I made an impromptu decision to visit Cheddar Gorge with my younger two sons. I have always loved ‘impromptu’ when it comes to travelling. To me, it speaks of adventure, determination and courage rather than brazen irresponsibility. It speaks of a free spiritedness which wants to seek opportunities in life and grab them before they disappear. Whilst careful planning is also to be commended, being predictable and calculated all the time can also be boring. It zaps the fun out of taking chances, heading into the unknown and just waiting to see what happens.

Anyway, I digress…

The gorge was stunning and the absolute silence we experienced whilst hiking was, in itself, captivating. Not a sound save the susurration of the trees and the occasional chirping of a bird. Views of the precipices all along the way reminded us of how many millena it must have taken for us to be able to casually walk in this setting. We were immersed in a scene of timeless beauty. It is these kind of experiences which are the perfect antidote for urban living. As I get older, I truly understand why people choose to retire to the countryside away from the chaos of the cities. I would never tire of seeing and hearing all that nature has to offer. But, for now, even a day trip to Cheddar was a welcome respite for us. The hike up to the top of the gorge and down, which had to be repeated to reach the opposite side, was in itself a wonderful alternative to a visit to the gym. The unspoilt nature in front of us was an incomparable upgrade.

These are kind of experiences I pray I continue to be part of. In these moments, my mind is uncluttered and I can exhale from the depths of my being. With that, comes a deep gratitude for being where I am in my life right now. I don’t depend on the whims of another person to determine how my day will turn out. I will never give in to that scenario again.

I request people looking in on my life not to feel pity. I am wholeheartedly at peace and have long accepted my lot. I continue to look forward to new milestones in my own life and that of my sons too, inshaAllah.

***Clifton Suspension Bridge – An Impromptu Stop***

Feeling Stuck

There come times in life when we all feel overwhelmed with a situation be it money, health, family or work etc. Like most people, I have had my fair share of such worries. At different points, one issue has dominated over others and yet they have all come to pass and abated, Alhamdulillah. But like most people too, I do succumb to worry even though I am aware that nothing is insurmountable without Allah’s help.

I say this and yet I am a contradiction within myself. Whilst I know Allah is always there to call upon, I still worry about things. At the moment, financial stress is at the forefront of my mind even though I have managed so long on my own and believe that, as long as I have my health, I will continue to do so, insha’Allah. That being said, sometimes things do come to a head and I feel I am being submerged under water and sinking fast. I know things aren’t that dire in reality but it’s a feeling I can’t easily shrug off.

Maybe my worry comes from being a somewhat careful planner; I have always planned long-term for things and try to factor in expected unexpectancies. The formula has served me well. It has kept me prepared and afloat thus far. Then there is the determination not to be complacent about life and think I can totally rely on anyone else to step in and take the helm. Whilst I will not stubbornly refuse help from those nearest to me, I don’t want to become dependent on that resource.

Relying on oneself imbues a feeling of self-respect and independence. Whilst there’s no shame in asking for help when needed, I have never been comfortable making that my default stance. I know my sons will not shirk their duty to me, as their mother, in terms of trying to reciprocate what I have done for them all their lives. However, although I would gladly accept their help in whatever ways they can, they also know I will do my best not to impinge on their own future plans.

I guess I am just vocalising my thoughts today as a release mechanism. Insha’Allah, I will be emerging from the bottleneck soon and will be able to exhale and inhale as normal soon.

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