Hello Everyone, Hope all is well,
Asalam Wa lakum

This might be a long post but i just need to vent and get some emotions out. Where do i start? Well i am Australian/Aboriginal woman (21) from Sydney and was born Catholic, I have since married a muslim man and had a Daughter. I have reverted and truly believe in Islam (Alhumdulah). I am just having trouble learning and practicing Islam. My family knows that i follow my Husband beliefs but i dont think they totally understand i am Muslim and have reverted. They are kindof oblivious and dont want to see the truth. I really want to tell them and be up front with them but they seem to believe the news and the stereotypes and i dont want to be rejected by my own family, but i really want to follow my beliefs. So what should i do? Any tips or Advice? Also they enjoy the ocasional beer or wine but dont drink everyday or get drunk, My Husband hates them even having one beer at a bbq if our daughter is there. But i have been around it all my life and its never been a problem or affected me in any way. My family are what you call responsible social drinkers. I asume that cause im not drinking it or being a part of it thats its fine, but husband seems to think differently. And i dont want to tell family that at all family gatherings that they cant do the things they enjoy just cause im there. I dont condone it but i also dont want to stop anyone from doing the stuff they enjoy as long as it doesnt affect me. I feel they can do it but just dont involve me or my Daughter in anyway and respect the bounderies. Or is that wrong of me to think that way? What is a Muslim opinion on this?
My other problem is that i dont know where to find information to learn, i read books on Islam but i am always asking Why at the end of it, and i dont get the right answers. I have read an English version of the Koran but do not fully understand because i only have a basic knowledge. I have also rang a mosque for courses or seminars/Lectures but i am very shy as to most people attending are of Middle Eastern Backround and i feel like i kinda dont fit in. Im just a bit lost and dont know where to look. Does anyone know of any seminars or lectures for women (Beginers)? Any muslim counsellors or Sheiks that are great to talk to? Any great websites or books anyone can recommend. I just need something to help me with prayers and basic knowledge to start off with and just general questions to help me dealing with whats right and wrong..
I also have another thing i hope someone can help me with, I am Aboriginal/Australian and my ancestors and culture believe in spirits and dreamtime, Does the Koran acknowledge this and am i still able to practise traditional Aboriginal culture or is there no way the two can be practised equally.

Im sorry for the long rant is just so hard cause i feel like i am stuck in two worlds and that to each part of my life i am not being true. I dont really have any Muslim women or Muslim friends in my life that understand me, and that i can relate to or share experiences and questions and what im going through. Its so hard talking to my family cause they dont understand me and cannot put themselves in my shoes. On the other hand my husband family are Lebanese Muslim and can help me if i need more information but they kinda think theyre way is the only way and that they are right. I feel hurt because they dont acknowledge my Aboriginal culture and just assume im one of them. They were born into Islam and have only known this there whole lives and they sortof dont see anything on the other side. I respect them and no doubt them being great muslims, i just dont think they see my side of things. I am still learning and im trying to be the best i can be but i just am lost and dont know where to look for help or resourses. I hope someone could help me, give me an outsiders view, some info or just to have a chat.
Will be greatly appreciated.
Thankyou
Kayla
:-)