My life as a foreigner began with my birth in Thibodaux, Louisiana. Both parents were there due to the booming oil economy. My mother from Alabama and my father from Mississippi.

I took my first overseas flight at the age of four. I was accompanied by my mother and six-week-old sister. We flew to Beirut, Lebanon for Christmas with my father and grandfather.

We moved many times and to various parts of the globe. I grew used to hearing people ask, “Who is she? She’s not from around here.” While in Egypt, I learned that Khawaga means foreigner and by that trip in 2007, I truly was a foreigner, even in my own family.

Khawaga Kid fits. It just feels right. It’s also the title of my soon to be published memoir.

WELCOME!