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Sewing My Way through the Quarantine

Isra And Her Masks

By Isra Moussaoui (YES 2019-2020, Tunisia, hosted by AFS-USA in Bainbridge Island, WA)

During the quarantine, I've felt helpless, a bit confused, and I also felt bad because I didn’t know how to help the people in my community. I spent some time trying to find something fun to do, because I knew that I shouldn’t just sit around and wait for something to change. At first I started learning magic card tricks and reading more, but I still felt like I wasn’t doing much. I had a lot of fun volunteering in my host community, and I was missing that aspect of my exchange year. 

Isra Makes A Mask

My host father suggested that I sew masks and give them to a volunteering organization that would distribute them to those in need. I loved the idea and wanted to do it, but there was only one problem: I didn’t know how to use a sewing machine! I was not about to let that stop me, so I asked my host mom if she could teach me. It took me a couple hours to get the hang of it, but that day I made my first mask and it was awesome. 

As the days passed, I spent more time sewing and I improved my skills. By the end of the week I found myself with quite a lot of masks ready to be handed out! I felt great because I found a new way to help my community. Everyone around the world is going through the pandemic together, and we must stick together. We must always find a way to lend a helping hand because every small gesture can make a change.

How are you finding ways to fill your time during the quarantine? Let us know! 


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