USAID & Shlama Foundation Solar Power Project in Tesqopa, Iraq

About a year ago today, Josephine was in a meeting with the board members of the Shlama Foundation in their metro-Detroit office. We were discussing a recent addendum released by USAID. It was a funding opportunity for partnership on projects that assist the Nineveh Plain region. Out of all the nonprofit organizations Josephine contacted to apply for this grant, they were the only ones who went through the application process.

They had recently returned from their trip from Iraq. The board members had first-hand perspectives of our people’s state of affairs, especially with one of them living in Iraq post the ISIS-invasion. They were filled with courage, ambition and hungered to help the people back home. We brainstormed ideas for hours on end  without eating or drinking anything until the solar idea was fully conceptualized. We got in touch with the solar expert and finally started the proposal.

Fast forward a year later, USAID awarded Shlama Foundation with $1,000,000 to execute their proposed plan in Tesqopa, a village located in the Nineveh Plain region of Iraq. Shlama Foundation has also hired six indigenous local engineers who graduated with STEM degrees, two of whom are female engineers. They have assessed over 100 households, 40 street lights and 13+ farms. Soon there will be 100 homes who have converted to solar power and farms using solar water pumps This project will improve economic stability by improving the yields of farms, increasing safety in the local neighborhoods and providing jobs to local contractors.

Thanks to USAID’s partnership with Shlama Foundation, the livelihoods of the people in Iraq’s Nineveh Plain region is improving. Solar power will improve their quality of life since the region doesn’t have access to the grid for reliable electricity. Their project will also reduce the reliance on dangerous diesel generators, improve the environment, and increase farming sustainability. Josephine is honored and blessed to work with and know these amazing people who are truly devoted to humanitarian service and the evolution of the Nineveh Plain and its future. You can learn more about the Shlama Foundation, you can visit their website here: https://www.shlama.org

USAID/Shlama Foundation Solar Engineers

Survivor

My 2020 New Year’s resolution is to be mindful of every moment, even if it is uncomfortable or painful, because time is a precious gift. I have been able to achieve mindfulness by being “present” in all that I do. I have been more productive, positive, and present thanks to “unplugging” from social media. I have also strengthened the relationships with my loved ones. 

The relationship between my father and I is what has changed the most.. By being more present, I have been able to engage in meaningful conversations with my father, Tawer Zomayah. I’ve learned more about him and my extended family over the last month than my entire life.  

Now, my father is 72 years old and has end-stage renal kidney failure. He goes to dialysis 3-4 times a week and has been surviving five years of the dialysis lifestyle. I am blessed to have him alive. So, I am trying to be more mindful with the time I spend with him (although I aim to do more).

For most of my life, my father was not around. He worked two jobs during my childhood. He owned his own business while continued to work the third-shift at Temple Steel to secure an additional source of income and benefits for his family. 

I remember my father already being at work when my mother woke my sister and I up for school. When we got home from school, my father would go to bed and sleep until 10pm. Then, my mother would wake him up and help him get changed. Sometimes she would even put his socks on his feet. She always had his cup of tea ready before he made his way out. Sundays were “family day” for a while until they were no longer a luxury due to more work responsibilities.

I’ve recently had a few unexpected surprises with my father. First off, he’s an impressive artist! He can freehand any picture you show him. He can draw Super Mario and Luigi, Thomas the Train, and any animal your heart desires. I am so blessed that my children have their very own artist living under one roof.

I have been more curious about my roots recently so I have been asking my father about his upbringing and my grandfather, Khoshaba Zomayah, whom I have never met. My paternal grandfather died before my parents were married unfortunately.

I asked my father what he remembered about Baba Khoshaba. He told me that he remembers hearing his father splash cold water on his face at 4AM to wake up before dawn. He worked hard to provide for his wife and 6 boys. He worked so much that my father barely had a relationship with him. His work ethic was passed on to my father as he repeated his father’s patterns.

My father also told me how Baba Khoshaba survived two genocides. The first was when he was a baby around 18 months old when his family fled Simele. My great-grandmother could no longer hold him while she was fleeing on foot and put him down. Thankfully, his aunt saw him under by a tree and picked him up. The second time was when he was about 10 years old. He escaped death by dressing like a girl. 

Now, I reflect on my Baba Khoshaba as I am experiencing a tough transition in my personal life. I am not going to let this difficult chapter take control of my life, for it is in the uncomfortable moments where we grow. I’ve learned to focus on the blessings in my life and appreciate my loved ones, good health, and having food on the table. Gratitude is truly the key to happiness and peace of mind. We do not have to be victims of circumstances. We can be survivors.

It’s my turn to wake up before everyone else and work hard for my family’s future, just like my father and grandfather had done. Every time I think about staying in my warm bed to sleep another hour, I imagine my grandfather waking up in darkness and splashing ice-cold water on his face to prepare for work. Only difference is that I choose to end the pattern of unhealthy work-family imbalance. I choose to bond and enjoy my children when they’re young because time is far more precious than money.

Rather than reflect on how my lineage had endured genocide more than once, I view them as survivors. This has given me comfort now more than ever because I need it. I figure if my ancestors could survive genocide, I can handle anything. I am proud to say that I am a survivor and that I am truly blessed to be alive even if the circumstances are unfavorable.  

I wish all of you and your families good health and happiness in the New Year.  

Sacrificing Glory to Give Others Glory

I don’t know when dropping 100k became a rite of passage for marriage. The truth is, the average wedding costs around that much. If you take into account the costs of the promising party (tenetha or mushmehtha), engagement party, bridal shower, bachelorette/bachelor party, henna (which is not our cultural tradition, so stop), cost of bride-to-be’s dress and groom’s tuxedo, then the wedding itself: hair, makeup, invitations, videographer/photographer, banquet hall rental, cocktail hour, food, cake, dessert table, open bar, flowers, DJ, singer/live entertainment, choreographers, ballet dancers, violinist, photo booth, pretty-looking chavari chairs (which are super uncomfortable by the way, so - again stop), center pieces, midnight snacks or whatever else people throw in to make their weddings unforgettable has become intense to say the least. I know a few couples who called off their engagements due to the pressures of wedding planning. 

This madness has become a tradition in America. Many people put themselves in debt in an effort to have special weddings. At the end of the night, it doesn’t matter if you “get back your money” from collecting envelopes. Most of the time couples are lucky if they walk away even. All so they can feed hundreds of people for a few hours after they say “I do”. 

News Flash, ladies and gentlemen: the grandeur of one’s hafla does not dictate the love that couples have for one another. I’ve seen weddings that dropped 250k and ended up in divorce less than a year later. 

Our grandparents can attest that their weddings were much simpler and most of their marriages lasted most of their lifetime. 

At what cost must our community continue to throw lavish celebrity-style weddings to one up each other? Is anybody’s wedding celebration truly unforgettable? Let’s be honest, once I attend another wedding, I forget about the last one I attended. As a guest, I can’t help but think about how our brother and sisters back home in Iraq celebrate their nuptials. I often tell myself how this money could benefit our native land in Iraq. The cost of one wedding could help revitalize a village or rebuild one of our historic landmarks. So, can you imagine if we started a new trend in celebrating our weddings by donating?

 
Schools would be rebuilt. 
Medical clinics can be modernized. 
Public servants can be paid to do their jobs well. 

The opportunities are endless if you think about what the money from one celebrity-style wedding can do to transform the lives of hundreds to thousands back home. I don’t know about you, but as an expatriate, I feel a sense of duty to serve our people back home.

I know many want to throw big, memorable weddings because they believe it’s a cultural expectation. It’s not. It’s become a competition. I know many are proud of their culture and try their best to celebrate it according to whatever standard is created. Our community cares so much about their culture and are prideful of where they come from. Yet, I know that few to none are willing to rise to the challenge of humbling themselves to raise others up. 

Let’s take a moment to evaluate the current state of affairs back home:

1.) Many people from our homeland want to leave
2.) Predominately Christian villages are deserted
3.) There is little to no electricity. 
4.) People live with little food and rely on rations 
5.) Many are living in tents and kids don’t have schools to attend to because there are none available 
6.) Limited economic stability 

And the list goes on…can you imagine how you can personally help rebuild your homeland by sacrificing a bridal shower or a lavish wedding? Can we take a second to think about that? By sacrificing your glory, you can give glory to others. 

Here’s a challenge to the couples getting married in the near future, especially if you have enough to stabilize your life and don’t need to collect envelopes to pay for a lavish wedding... I would like to see a new trend when I go to a hafla. I would like to see a modest wedding with simple chairs without centerpieces, no fancy table cloths, and using their wedding as an opportunity to raise funds for a charitable organization such as Shlama Foundation. In honor of your unity, you can revitalize your homeland. Now, that would be unforgettable - especially for the people back home who will benefit from your donation for years to come.

Now, I don’t want to impose on anybody or guilt anyone into doing this. Yes, weddings are once-in-a-lifetime occasions, but I think sacrificing a small pre-wedding party to donate to a charitable cause would be a cool new trend. This challenge applies to those who have more than enough to secure your future as a couple. Remember, it’s called a challenge for a reason. It is meant to be sacrificial. So, I know my expectations may seem as idealistic, but I hope someone steps up. God always gives graces to those who give. 

So, let’s see who is willing to rise to the challenge. Let’s not forget our roots. Let’s not forget where we come from. Let’s remember Nineveh. If you have more than you need, simply share it with those who need it most.

(Bartella, Iraq (Nineveh Plains)

https://www.shlama.org/donate

Come on Down!

            If you’re not excited to be living in 2019, then I suggest you take a closer look around. I was watching “The Price is Right” on the TV at my nail salon when I noticed something unusual. Drew Carey was announcing the prize and the camera turned to a new car. This is where I noticed something unfamiliar. The model who was showcasing the car was not a female model with flawless features – it was a man.  

I was surprised to see a tall, handsome man wearing a button-up shirt and slacks pointing to the car, smiling and clapping. He looked like he was mixed with darker features. This isn’t what I was accustomed to seeing. Although the man was attractive, I was wondering what happened to the typical cast of full female models? 

(Devin Goda: male model on The Price is Right)

Drew Carey announced the next prize, which was a jacuzzi. I was expecting to see a female model walk out wearing a bikini to do the work. But, the same man I mentioned earlier came out again wearing board shorts and showcased the prize. He was smiling at the camera and gesturing towards the large jacuzzi tub with 8 jets.  Anyways, the male model’s name is Devin Goda and is a retired NFL player who played for the Baltimore Ravens. I think he’s a wonderful addition to the show’s energy and I hope it will bury the Hugh Hefner-like stigma behind “Barker’s Beauties” (yes, I said it.)

I noticed that almost every game show with models is comprised of women wearing tight clothes, showing their legs, with big hair and a face covered in makeup and false lashes. I have spent my entire life watching the iconic Vanna White wearing fashionable attire on “Wheel of Fortune”. On “Deal or No Deal”, again an army of gorgeous gals are standing on stage waiting their turn to reveal what’s behind their number. 

(Howie and the female models on Deal or No Deal)

These women spend hours upon hours under bright lights and cameras behind a male host. I personally can’t imagine having my hair covered in hairspray, heavy makeup caked on my face with false lashes in a tight dress and high heels whilst smiling for an entire eight hours a day. (Now that I think about it, this does sound like something I voluntarily subject myself to for an immediate family member’s wedding or other special occassion LOL)

(Vanna White on Wheel of Fortune)

Now, this isn’t merely a feminist observation, this is about viewing women as more than objects. Media has always portrayed the “ideal” female embodiment which is thin, long hair with flawless features and a huge smile on her faces. I am honestly sick of it and happy to see the shift in advertising.

If you haven’t noticed, the mannequins at the department stores have NORMAL SIZED WAISTS. You guys…this excited me the most, especially since I know I will never be a size 2.  Now, when I am shopping at Target, I am happy to notice the shapely models on the ads. It goes beyond that – I see thick, plus-size, dark, tan, freckled, and a wide variety of humans on big name brands. Diversity is here…let’s wake up and smell the hummus.

As I sat in my pedicure chair, I realized how women have been objectified my entire life and things are finally changing. So, it is refreshing to see a male model showcasing a prize instead of a woman. This gives me hope that gender equality is becoming a reality. 

I come from a culture where women are marginalized and not treated with equality. My parents came from Iraq, which is in the Middle East. Let’s just say that this part of the world has a lot of catching up to do when it comes to treating women with basic human dignity. Sadly, our culture remains the same in the United States. Our society continues to maintain certain expectations on women such as: marriage, children, and becoming housewives. Women continue to stay at home while the men work.

The children in my community have grown accustomed to having their mothers be the sole parent while their father’s primary responsibility is to work in order to pay the bills. It’s tragic that men are groomed to believe that they don’t need to make an effort as a parent by establishing a meaningful relationship with their son or daughter.

I know highly successful women in my community who don’t feel as though they are not successful.  I am bewildered by how they feel unhappy and incomplete. When I ask them what they think is missing, they tell me that they cannot make their families happy because they aren’t married with children. I pray that these women find peace in their lives for the goals they want to achieve rather than the goals that society expects of them. 

Meanwhile, men remain single well past their forties and nobody bats an eye. Don’t get me wrong, there’s pressure, but the pressure on women is much more intense than it is for men. A woman thinks something is wrong with her if she doesn’t get married. We need to cut this out. If it is ok for a man to remain single for the rest of his life, the same applies for a women. We truly need to realize that perpetuating the past will prevent equality from moving forward.

In some parts of the Middle East, the inequality is more extreme. Women can’t drive and are covered from head-to-toe in black garments and they are get punished for exposing their skin. Then, there’s the female mutilation. Small girls have their future stripped from them at young ages as their fathers treat them like property by marrying them off for their own agendas. Don’t even get me started on the human trafficking and turning women into sex slaves. The fact that this trade continues to thrives makes my blood boil. 

I have been reading books from other fellow female authors and reading the stories brings tears to my eyes. The lives of women who live in villages where terrorism wreaks havoc are lost. I really wish I could do something to stop these terrorist groups from destroying people’s lives. I want to do something to change the existing conditions yet I feel like I am sitting on my hands for now. 

I hope the cultures who marginalize women take notice of the shifting paradigms. The shift is happening whether they believe it or not. It doesn’t matter how slow the pace is, but it IS moving forward. Now, with the technology of social media and the internet connected humans globally, change is unstoppable. The status quo will not remain the same, especially if there are people like me who are determined to change it. I know one day I will do something to contribute to change, but for now, I will pray, have hope, and embody the change I want to see in the world. 

Where have you noticed change in our world? Please share your observations about what you notice. If we choose to acknowledge and appreciate the change that is around us, I promise you that more change will continue to manifest. So, come on down, and let’s discuss the change that you see or want to see in our world.

Love,

Josephine