Living Behind the Veil

I'm often asked what I wear in Afghanistan and what it's like to wear a veil. It's freedom. Freedom to have a bad hair day, freedom to arrange my chadar to conceal the curve of my breasts and backside, freedom to not be an expatriate for a little while. It means freedom to hide even on the street from the Afghan men's eyes which seem to strip me naked.
When I relax my shoulders and walk less purposefully, less confidently, my eyes downcast and covered by sunglasses, I pass for an Afghan woman. I hear the men whisper in Dari, "Is she a foreigner or local woman?" I chuckle but am silent. On the street, I'm also a free target....freely exposed to groping, sexual innuendos whispered to me as a man bicycles by, free to have stones thrown at me, freely seen as no one's wife, daughter, sister, mother, friend, or boss. I step inside my gate, and remove my chapan and chadar. Now I'm someone's boss, motherhood returns to me as little steps run to greet me, and I receive a kiss from my adoring husband. Now I'm free to his loving and gentle eyes which know and enjoy my curves, free to once again be under the protective umbrella of being a wife, mother, friend, colleague, boss, niece, sister, daughter, woman.

Showing posts with label henna. Show all posts
Showing posts with label henna. Show all posts

Monday, January 30, 2023

Henna Mary's Story

 


Mary's story in henna art is a delicate tracing of flowers and circles demonstrating the mystery of the Holy Spirit's work, resulting in Jesus' birth. The pathway back to God is visible in 5 circle designs. 

The design includes Mary, Joseph, the Wiseman, two Shepherd's staffs, and points of the star. 

Check out my video applying henna art of Mary's story to my friend! 


Mary's Story Design PDF

Henna Art Intro and Getting Started

Full PDF Instructions with Video Links

Henna Romans 6:23

Henna Every Woman's Story



Sunday, September 27, 2020

Henna Bible Story - Every Womans Story



Every Woman's Story - telling the story of Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection.  

Video: How to make your own Henna cones

This lovely lady does a way better job showing how to make your own henna cones from cellophane paper. 

Video: Mixing up your own Henna paste 

She shows you how to get the right consistency and stir out the lumps. 

So my henna cones are getting better after doing what the henna lady in the videos above suggest. Progress, not perfection!  

I'm starting with mostly the Arabic designs from the hennastories.org website, because I prefer them (ok, and they are easier, too!).

Notes & Drawing: Crucifixion, Burial, & Resurrection - Matt 27, Mark 15, & John 19. 

Youtube Teaching Video:  Telling the Every Woman's Story with Henna

 

Monday, September 21, 2020

Henna Bible Stories-The Wages of Sin


There's definitely a lot of room for me to improve my henna technique! I always got a "C" on my art projects in school.  However, I'm happy to share my journey of becoming a better henna artist for a significant purpose! 

Here's a sample of using Romans 6:23 from the design by Henna Stories to share the Good News from more of a shame and honor perspective. 

Feel free to download these docs if you find them helpful to you. 

Henna Design of Romans 6:23

Clean Copy of Notes for Romans 6:34

Anna's Notes for Romans 6:34 

 Video Links:

Youtube Video link

 


Henna Art - Intro and Getting Started

Henna Every Woman's Story

Henna Mary's Story