I asked Kavya if she wanted to write a Valentine to include with the cookies I’m giving to a local mom who’s taking them to a new Syrian refugee family in the city. Kavi said yes, and then went to her iPad to look up how to say ‘welcome to America’ in Arabic — and I have to tell you, people, I almost started crying right then.
Now I’m just waiting for Kavi’s cookies to dry before packing them up and taking them to the woman delivering them. Kavi wasn’t sure that she’d be able to accurately copy the Arabic script; I’m hoping their hosts can help them read the transcripted version. Her card is meant to say “Welcome to America” and “Happy Valentine’s Day.”
I had some love cake and rich cake left over from Christmas, so I packed that up too; I’m not sure how similar those are to Syrian desserts, but they’re full of fruit and nuts and love, so they’ll hopefully bring this family a little luck in their new home. I’ve been reading reports about the ICE raids all day, feeling helpless and angry — it was good to do something to send a little love and welcome back into the world.
Now, back to writing to our legislators.