I went with Jon to the Bishop Maginn School in Albany this morning where Jon will start teaching a writing class to the high school students next week.
Today I sat in on an interview and video he took of Melak, a student at the school. She talked about her life in Iraq, being born on the day the war began, then about fleeing to Syria only to get caught up in the war there. When she and her family got to the United States she faced bullying in the public schools then finally came to Bishop Maginn School where she finally feels safe. (you can watch the video here).
It was stunning to hear her story. She’s a strong and determined 16-year-old woman who wants to become a lawyer so she can defend and speak for the voiceless, who she once identified as.
When I got home I had a few hours to work on my Doily Woman.
I’m figuring it out as I go, sewing the squares down where they look right to me. I filled in the space between her body and arm and now I’m outlining the other side of her arm.
As I sewed I was thinking of the strong women my Doily woman, in her lacey dress represents. I was thinking of Malek.
YUM!