THE MANY LANGUAGES OF LOVE
Valentine’s Day
A deep appreciation for community, family and food brings people from all walks together every day here at Free to Feed. This February fourteenth, we are extra lucky to have three of our program participants share their musings on love within families, communities and their own strong partnerships. However you choose to celebrate (or quietly observe) Valentine’s Day, we invite you to spend a few minutes reflecting on the powerful and undeniable role love plays in the life of these three amazing humans.
THE LOVE BETWEEN SIBLINGS | SHADI AND ABEER
We asked one of the most generous people we know, the wonderful Shadi, some questions about the love for his sister. Having provided him with warmth and comfort growing up, his sister Abeer arrived in Australia in 2018. Shadi is proud to welcome Abeer to Free to Feed and to work alongside her in 2021…
Q. Tell us about your sister Abeer who has recently also joined us at Free to Feed?
SHADI “When I see my sister Abeer, I see everything that is beautiful, I see everything that is nice. She is the eldest of 5 children in our family. When my father was at work and my mother was busy (which was often), Abeer was like a mother to all us younger children – even though she is only 5 years older than me! She would make sure I got to school and always had a good life. She is a great gardener and loves flowers, especially Gardenias.”
Q. How do you celebrate Valentines Day?
“Well, February 14th is actually also my birthday so I like to celebrate that. I enjoy giving people all sorts of gifts like flowers, cake.
Late February in Syria is also a time to celebrate Spring. People head out to the parks and celebrate with picnics, gardens and lots of music.”
Q. How can we show more love for each other?
“Talk with each other, ask questions and respect each other. That's how my community can show love.”
(SIDE NOTE - Knowing Shadi is akin to celebrating Valentine’s day on a weekly basis! Freshly cut flowers straight from Shadi’s garden often greet us first thing in the Free to Feed kitchen… just because. Flowers are definitely Shadi’s love language!)
THE TRADITIONS OF LOVE | ZINA AND RICARD
After a traditional meeting, Zina and Ricard have overcome many challenges together. In August 2014 they were forced to flee Nineveh and after a year in North Iraq they travelled to Jordan. In 2016 together with their children, they were able to obtain a Humanitarian Visa and move to Australia. Zina will be joining us as a cooking instructor in 2021 and Ricard was a big part of our Brave Meals kitchen throughout 2020. We see them as a dynamic duo with mountains of affection for each other.
Q. How did you meeT your partner Ricard?
ZINA “It was a a traditional Syrriac marriage, Ricard asked my Mother and Father if he could visit our house. I didn’t know of Ricard, but he came to the house, we met, we talked and I said yes.”
Q. What was your first impression of them?
“I felt confident in my heart that he was a good man. I also trusted my family.”
Q. What do you love the most about them?
“He loves his family and loves children. He wants his children to have a good life and a good future. He works so hard to make that happen.”
Q. What advice would you give a young couple in love?
“Ricard and I have faced many challenges and difficulties, we were able to pass and get through because there is love. If you love you will be able to get through anything, you will be able to get through and continue.”
Q What does love mean to you?
“Love is like something that gives you strength, when there is love in your life you look forward to the next day.”
Q Are there any traditions or sayings in your home country that express love?
“There is a saying in my culture, translated it says “Love does not come by force, you can’t make anyone love you. It comes organically, if they love you they will love you.”
LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT | RIYAMA AND RAIF
It’s not Valentine’s Day without one love at first sight story and luckily thanks to our wise friend Riyama we have one! A fateful encounter brought Riyama and Raif together in 1986. They have built a life full of tender, unconditional love and respect for each other ever since.
How did you meet your partner?
RIYAMA “The first time!? Oh my gosh! I remember!
In Syria we have big celebrations around Easter. In my husband’s home village there is a well known Easter procession that all the neighbouring villages come to see. On this day, I went with my sisters, my brothers and my friends. As we walked along my husband spotted me in the crowd, it was love at first sight! He asked all about me, my hobbies, my work. After that he came to visit my family home and we got to know everything about each other. It was 1986 and I was 21. That’s how I met Raif.”
What were your first impressions?
“I loved him instantly, he was quiet, beautiful and tall like me! He loved me so much. After one year we got engaged and three months later we married in the Spring.”
What inspires you about your partner?
“He is very confident. He understands me and any problems I have. He reassures me that everything will be ok. His support is unconditional.”
What advice would you give young couples in love?
“It’s always a good idea to be happy with yourself and wait for the right person. Finish studying and find a good job, be sure you keep your goals. Love is beautiful, move forward together, learn to say sorry and love each other. My husband’s favourite dish is fish and I love Kibbeh… so I make both!”
How do you celebrate Valentines Day in Syria?
“Everyone loves to wear the colour red from head to toe!”