Joyce, a remarkable Muslim Chinese revert, embarked on a journey of love, faith, and culinary exploration that shaped her life in profound ways 20 years ago. She was first introduced to Islam by her husband and she decided to embrace the faith a year before their marriage. Throughout the past two decades as a revert, Joyce navigated various career choices, eventually becoming a devoted homemaker. Her passion for cooking and her desire to reconnect with her Chinese heritage led her to create a halal dish for reverts, bridging the gap between her culture and her faith. If you’re wondering what was her journey like as she embraced Islam, read on to find out!
Love, Faith, and Career Transitions:
Credit: Joyce
Twenty years ago, Joyce's journey as a revert began through her husband's guidance and support. They had known each other since they were both 20 years old but got married when they were 27. Joyce's transition to Islam was a moment of joy and contentment.
Prior to becoming a homemaker, Joyce explored different career paths, from working for her uncle's glass business contractor to pursuing part-time graphic design and interior design. Her meeting with her husband occurred during her stint in interior design, leading them to build a strong connection despite both ultimately choosing different career paths.
P.S. Wanna know more about Joyce's business? Check this out!
Embracing Challenges and Sharing Love:
Credit: Joyce
Interacting with fellow reverts brought her immense joy, and she appreciated the sense of community and acceptance she found among them. Reflecting on her journey, Joyce shared that 20 years ago, being seen with a non-Chinese partner was rare and often met with rude stares and remarks. Nevertheless, her love for her husband and their shared sense of humour helped them navigate those challenges together.
She even shared that whenever the couple was out and they noticed someone staring at them, they would use a sign between them to indicate to the other. This turned into an inside joke and a testament to their love.
Credit: Joyce
Through the challenges she faced and the love she shared with her husband, Joyce's story is a celebration of love, acceptance, and the importance of cherishing family ties. Her father's influence remains a guiding light, reminding her to appreciate and respect her parents. Joyce's journey is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of embracing both love and faith in shaping one's life.
The Influence of Her Father:
Joyce's father played a significant role in her life, and despite his traditional upbringing, he accepted and supported her decision to revert. Their bond was strong, valuing their ability to talk about anything.
Initially, Joyce did not tell her family members about her current husband. It was until someone saw them at the bus stop and reported it to her dad was when things took a turn. It was hard for him to accept that and it was hard for Joyce to deal with that considering how close they were.
Joyce cherishes the memories of her father, who left a lasting impact on her life, teaching her the value of appreciating and respecting one's parents.
Joyce added that the year that he finally accepted her was one of his last and he would pass on the next.
Joyce's journey as a Muslim Chinese revert is a testament to the power of love and faith. Her path towards Islam was definitely not an easy one, but a much fulfilling one.
As a devoted homemaker and passionate cook, Joyce's culinary exploration allowed her to reconnect with her Chinese heritage while embracing her Islamic faith. Her journey into the world of cooking led her to create a halal version of meicai, offering reverts a taste of their cultural past.
Credit: Joyce
A Taste of Heritage: Meicai with a Halal Twist
Joyce's passion for cooking led her to explore her Chinese heritage through the creation of halal alternatives to traditional Chinese delicacies. Inspired by the desire to provide Chinese reverts with a taste of their culture, she decided to try making meicai, a traditional preserved vegetable dish.
Her journey began when she tried meicai at a vegetarian restaurant with her mother. Realizing that it lacked a certain richness, Joyce set out to create a halal version of the dish. After perfecting her recipe, she shared it with a friend, who encouraged her to sell her meicai to the community of Chinese reverts.
Through the challenges she faced and the love she shared with her husband, Joyce's story is a celebration of love, acceptance, and the importance of cherishing family ties. Her father's influence remains a guiding light in her life, reminding her to appreciate and respect her parents. Joyce's journey is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of embracing both love and faith in shaping one's life.
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