Seeing my designs in the storefronts of my favorite local shops brings everything full circle. These are the places where I shop and where my community gathers, making it feel like a personal and meaningful way to share a piece of myself with the world.
As I became older, Salaam Ajami’s store faded from my memory.. and the shopping avenue we lived on in Tyre became larger and more modern, we started going to more expanded shops that were not a tiny corner like Salaam’s but also had fine quality clothing and the kindest people like the Hachem’s (Em Hassan and Abo Hassan)… now that I think about it, all the memorable shop owners had one thing in common; extreme generosity and kindness.
As I mark another year of life, the profound evidence of God's love becomes even more apparent, especially amidst recent tribulations within my community. Today, a celebration takes on new meaning, revealing a remarkable capacity to reverse seemingly irreversible pain. Amidst the emotional upheaval, a message brought forth a transformative moment—a video showcasing Huda Hijazi's unwavering strength in the face of unimaginable tragedy. Her story challenged my notions of human resilience, demonstrating that, even in the depths of despair, the spirit can triumph. Huda's gratitude, despite losing her daughters and mother to flames, resonates as a testament to the transcendent power of God's love. It prompts reflection on our own ability to find strength and resilience in the most agonizing...
Deep within the corners of Farah's mind, an unwavering nightmare loomed, haunting experiences of her past. Living under a suffocating occupation scarred her, leaving deep-rooted PTSD. On random nights, the nightmare would revisit, pulling her back into the harrowing memories, an unending cycle of torment. But Farah, resilient and determined, confronted the nightmare. She wrestled with the lingering nightmare, gradually loosening its grip. Emerging stronger, she channeled her pain into advocacy, standing for peace and illuminating the enduring wounds of injustice. Farah's journey is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, a path from the clutches of a nightmare to the liberating embrace of freedom.