No matter the space you have, or the lack thereof, you can do something similar, something within your control, to enjoy nature and incorporate it into your culinary adventures, big or small. I hope the video inspires you to do just that…
Before Ramadan, I was approached by a team of wonderful UNHCR officers in Canada and the U.S. who asked if I would be interested in learning about the UNHCR Islamic Philanthropy Program. Although I thought I was up to date on the various humanitarian aid organizations helping refugees and internally displaced persons around the globe, I was totally unaware of this incredible program in which all of the boxes have been checked to ensure that the characteristics of the program are 100% zakat-compliant for both donor and recipient, as well as backed by the fatwas of several Muslim scholars. This is important on so many levels, which is one of the many reasons I feel honored to partner with UNHCR this Ramadan to help as many people as we can through our amazing community.
Later this week, program officers from UNHCR will be LIVE on the MHK Facebook page to discuss the program in more detail, as well as the situation in Yemen. This is the area of focus for our Ramadan partnership because the situation is so incredibly dire and people, including very small children, are in an extremely precarious situation in which your donations could literally mean the difference between life and death.
Displaced children study in a school constructed by UNHCR in Al Raqa site in Sana’a. Over 35 displaced students study primary school inside the hosting site. They used to walk a very long distance to get to the closest public school in their district. ; Al Raqah site hosts some 130 displaced families in Hamdan district, north of Sana’a. The majority of IDPs had to flee from their homes due to conflict and come mainly from Nihm district (in Sana’a, bordering Marib), Hudaydah, Hajjah, Taiz, and Al Jawf governorates, most of them have been displaced for five years, though there are a limited number of families displaced more recently. The main issues reported by the residents include the lack of access to food, (food rations are distributed only to some 20 families). Severe needs for health services (there is no service provider available for free), and a long-term partner to provide water, sanitation and hygiene services. In addition, one of the main issues faced by the residents is housing, land and property issues with the private owners of the land, as some have reported threats of eviction. Most importantly, the IDPs have reported the need for livelihood projects to enable them to be self-reliant and improve their living conditions.
Each of you have helped to create a community of phenomenal, caring, loving and supportive readers who can really make a difference in Yemen this Ramadan.
That’s why I’ve set a goal for us to raise $100,000 USDthis Ramadan.
I believe we can surpass this, insha’Allah.
Your generous donation is 100% zakat approved, tax-deductible and will help make an immediate impact – and rush lifesaving supplies like tents, clean water and other critical aid – to those who need it most.
Refugees have lost everything and are facing the most difficult of circumstances just to meet their basic needs and protect their families. But your compassion can bring much-needed relief, comfort and hope to resilient displaced families and tell them they are not alone.
Please, will you share with your ENTIRE network? Will you donate and talk about this issue with your friends and family? I’m counting on us as a community to go above and beyond the goal set forth. Let’s not disappoint our brothers and sisters going through the unthinkable in Yemen right now.
Many of you already know that recently I’ve moved within Chicago but still across town and with enough stuff to require a truck much larger than I’m capable of driving, which usually means you’re no longer in the college-kid nomadic lifestyle stage of life (*sigh, I kind of miss those days, to be honest…).
I’ve shared some of the photos, angst and toils surrounding the move on both Twitter and the MHK Facebook page, just to showcase tidbits of what’s happened to me along the way, including some of our first meals at our new digs.
Moving is never fun, but as one of my friends reminded me, it does give you a fresh start. That, I say, is very true.
One of the things I’ve learned when moving is that we don’t always use what we have, be that books, trinkets, tables or food. How much do we really need and how much can we really do without? Aren’t there things that other people could use more than us?
To be honest, I was sick of all my stuff. Not unappreciative, just a bit mad at myself for accumulating more than I really ever need or frequently use. Why did I have so much when others can and probably will use them more effectively? Luckily, I was able to find good homes for many of the small appliances, gadgets and home décor that I had outgrown, but I know there is still much more that can be distributed. Over time, insha’allah, it will be my mission to simplify my life with less stuff and more space to have memories of good times with good people, and of course, good {halal} food.
These instances have encouraged me to take a look back at what was happening when I cleaned out my old refrigerator and began to stock my ‘new’ one. Toiling over everything that was stuffed inside, I realized that although I always cook at home, I could definitely do a lot better at using what I’ve got in there to put meals together. I had the freezer, the fridge and the pantry to work with and let me tell you, the meals that can come out of cooking with what you’ve got will really surprise you.
With pie crusts and homemade frozen pie filling in the freezer (but not a single pie plate to be found), I baked this pie in a cast iron pan on one of our first days in our new place
The first few days in a new place reminded me of my trips to cabins or camping where I don’t have a whole lot of utensils to work with and the food we bring is just enough to feed us for a few days. It’s so much simpler and to me, so much more enjoyable. I plan on working more with what I’ve already got and buying fresh items as needed (for 2-3 days ahead). With jars of olives, cans of tuna and condiments galore in the refrigerator, there’s always an easy pasta dish that can be created or meat that can be simply dressed with just about any spice in the pantry. Not only is this a money and time-saver, you get something back for yourself: gratitutude and a new appreciation for what you’ve already got and you can be proud of yourself for thinking up new dishes with just a few items.
So, how abou it? Will you take up the challenge with me? Aside from buying some fresh fruit, salad greens, and milk, will you stop shopping for one whole week and cook with what you’ve got?
If yes, then tell me– what are you cooking with what you’ve got?
Who knows, if I get some really good responses, I may even send you some of the extra gadgets I’ve got around here…
