To: Iraq, From: Lebanon

I have an Iraqi student this year in my ESL class. She is a refugee who has been in the U.S. for 2 years. The past several days, I've learned so much about her life & I admire her so much.

Earlier this week, I told her I was cooking a Lebanese meal for a few friends & we talked about all the foods I was going to make. She recognized everything & said, "Oh! I know these foods, we have the same in my country." (I love that she says, "in my country..." all the time!)

In my small little mind I thought, "Oh, I wonder if they get to eat traditional middle eastern cuisine very often? Maybe they don't." (Not sure why I thought that. Probably because I wanted to think that.)

I had a brilliant idea! "I'll pack up some leftovers from my Lebanese dinner & bring them to school for her to take home for her & her father!!" :)

I came to school today excited to share my gift with FJ. Enjoy our conversation...

I asked, "How often do you & your dad get to eat chicken & rice (hashweh)?"
She said, "Oh! A lot. (smile)"
"Oh, really? That's great! What about grape leaves? Dolmas?"
"Yes, we eat those too!"
"WHAT?? Do you cook them yourselves?"
"Yes, my dad cooks a lot. He used to be a chef in Iraq. (smile)"
"Are you kidding me?!?! I don't want to give you the food I cooked!! Y'all are going to think it sucks! Do you even still want it?!" (We're both laughing at this point.)
"Yes! I think I want it. I want to try it."

What just happened? Well, you live. You learn. ;)