Keep Your Shirt On: Clothes in Kurdistan Hannah and Colleen address one of the most commonly asked questions about living in Iraq: "Do you have to cover your head?" And they give a rough overview of women's clothing in the Middle East with a focus on what they saw and wore in Northern Iraq. Then [...]
South Nashville is home to many refugee women who would love the chance to get out and exercise, practice their English, and make a new friend. Grab your walking shoes and join us Saturday mornings at a local park for Walk & Talk. Opportunities for exercise and fellowship are very limited for these ladies, so [...]
Kurdish Language Adventures Hannah and Colleen bring along the amazing and talented Steve, who has been learning and speaking Kurdish for many many years. He shares with us about the history of Kurdish, the various dialects/languages that are part of Kurdish, and some of his own experiences speaking the language. Join us in Nashville or [...]
We all know that some words are not easy to translate into other languages. People collect these words and make lists of them (see here and here). But most of the time these words are used quite rarely, like Gokotta -- to wake up early in the morning with the purpose of going outside to [...]
Hannah and Colleen are back at it again! In honor of the most popular sporting competition worldwide we are back to talk about sports in Iraq, especially soccer and the World Cup!!! We played, coached, and watched sports. The streets are full of small children in flip-flops and sandals kicking a water bottle or soccer [...]
What do origami frogs, fire, and the Odyssey have in common? Did you guess teaching in Iraq? Hannah and Colleen remember the adventures of each of their first years teaching in Iraq. Thanks to Julia for suggesting this topic. It had us wandering down the road of memories and how both of us had unusually [...]
Islamic Holidays in Northern Iraq This is part 3 of our episodes focusing on holidays! We tackled American holidays (we're good at those!), Newroz (you just get swept up in in!), and now we're attempting to explain the Islamic holidays. Disclaimer: We are not Muslim and while we did some research online, we certainly didn't [...]
Maybe you can't volunteer this summer in Nashville to read to refugee kids (IF YOU CAN, go HERE!), but you'd like to help. There are two ways: Head over to our Amazon Wish List! On there you'll find books, blankets, and awnings that will help us serve kids who attend our reading program this summer! [...]
Thank You for the Fruit Trees! So many farms and orchards lost all their fruit trees from war and neglect during the invasion of ISIS. Now, being able to rebuild their lives and their villages takes a lot of work and effort. Your gifts made this possible for these families to replant and rebuild! Thank [...]
Weather or Not? - Podcast Episode 7 When you think about weather in Iraq you probably imagine a hot desert and sand dunes. Is that accurate? Hannah and Colleen take you through their favorite and least favorite seasons of the year (yes, there are seasons!) as well as the political implications of the weather. Want [...]
