I had the honor of speaking with a Syrian refugee, Heba. She welcomed me into her home to share her Ramadan and new world experiences. I was so nervous because this was the first time I came face to face with a victim of such a fragile situation. The interview was a success because this woman is no ordinary mom, she is a strong and brave leader. She came here with her kids after being held at gun point by the rebels and managed to escape the one chance she got. Not only has she survived, but she is already making a name for herself in this new world. Alhamdullilah for all the blessings we have and pray that peace spreads all over the world. PS. I’m creating a little package for this sweetheart and her cute kids, if you’re interested in contributing any way please contact me, I will be collecting until Sunday, June 9th. Here’s Heba’s story:
Heba is from Shams in Damascus. What she loves about Ramadan is how her faith strengthens by reading Quran, uniting the family together by eating together and praying together, especially when the family is busy working night and day. I asked Heba how her Ramadan has changed since she’s moved here and it brought tears to her eyes. She said she and her family would cook together and eat together. They’d go to taraweeh together, then hang out until suhoor and did this everyday in Ramadan. She even laughed and said food tastes better when you’re with your loved ones. We took a break and hugged it out. I can’t imagine what she’s going through, but I admire her strength. Heba tries to bring a little bit of Syria by making the same kubbeh dish to have her kids remember a little bit about Home.
The biggest challenge was when they first moved here, no one could understand them. There was a huge language barrier, they didn’t know where they’d get furniture from, much less, how they were even going to pay rent. The syrian community network stepped in and was able to provide them the resources they needed. In less than two years in the States, Heba took English classes and is now looking to take accredited courses to be able to find a suitable job to help support her family. What struck me the hardest was that after everything Heba’s been through, she never gave up. She was forced to leave her home, her community, her parents, to live a new life in a country she knew nothing about. I asked her how she manages and she said, you see what you want and you go get it. No matter what, if you want it don’t stop until you get it.
Top: I’m wearing a loose white tee from H&M with a light blue cotton blazer from Forever 21. Adding on a blazer creates the formal look of what I was going for and not the boring corporate look. Let’s be honest, no one ever dresses up in a suit for fun. The tee was what contained the casual look and it’s super comfortable to wear under a blazer!
Bottoms: I’m wearing the mocha brown culottes by The Boutique Liverpool. They’re sooo comfortable and have the best prices ever! Mention MARIAMSHIBLY to receive even more discount, 15% off your purchase! These culottes are so much fun to wear in the summer and fall. You can make them super casual or trendy formal as I did with this look. I’ve always rocked these mocha culottes with a white top, I’m still experimenting with what other colors I can get away with.
Shoes: I have to complete the trendy formal look with a pair of wedges by Toms. They are so comfortable and add the perfect heel height to make the culottes stand out.
Purse: This is one of my favorite blue beauty investments, Celine.
Jewelry: My silver watch was gifted to me by my beautiful friends and is by Burberry. I’m wearing my favorite signature necklace by Nominal. Use MARIAM15 at checkout for 15% off your purchase!
