Backstory: My family emigrated to the United States in 1997. We are Muslim and we are from Bosnia and Herzegovina – and  we do not conform to any of the stereotypes Americans have of Muslims: we are European and we look, dress and behave like other Europeans. My mother enjoys the reactions she gets from people when she tells them she is Muslim so much that she often brings it up inappropriately. She tells me all about her adventures in e-mails she insists on writing in English for practice. This one, especially, made me cringe with embarrassment.

Hellooo my soul!

I finished listening Obama’s speech at Muslims again and again on YouTube! I made a little bit happy cry! I talked to your aunt by telephone! She don’t got to shout into it to be heard in America! I have now a headache. She cried too.

She told me your cousin is sending two pair of high heels and want you to send back two shirts, one what has American Eagle logo and another GAP. Summer shirts. Do you got money for that?

If you don’t got it, I can give! I went to bank today to meet Americans! I told one woman how happy I am at Obama’s speech because I am Muslim! She was surprised I have blond hair and blue eyes! We talk a long time!

She gave me a list how to resurrect an American meatloaf, ingredients and times and everything! I showed her picture of you, she gasped! She said you look like on movies! I give her your number for her son! Did he call yet? Tell me everything!