When lockdown was announced, I panicked thinking how am I going to work creatively, effectively and mindfully. It took me weeks to fit into a routine of my own, one that worked for me and my family. Lockdown forced me to think about my wellbeing and health. I have spent my time relearning my craft, reading, reflecting and reconnecting with my faith in the month of Ramadan.

I turned 25 and I celebrated my birthday at home. My sisters laid out my favourite snacks and drinks. I wore my birthday outfit and painted my face. We danced, facetiming my mother who is currently stuck in Yemen. A birthday I will not forget.

Every Ramadan I crave for my mother’s home cooked Yemeni dishes. This Ramadan was different in many ways, one being my mother was not at the dinner table. We facetimed every day and she taught me how to cook.

Dressed in my Arabic attire and my sister in her LFC kit, this is a typical day in our Yemeni-Scouse household. My mother always told me to never sacrifice one culture for the other, but embrace everything that is part of you and do it with love

We have been tested in many ways and during this time I am only grateful to have a home that keeps us warm, food on our table and our good health. The other side of this Pandemic is a stronger and a brighter future. We will RISE together.