Days of My Life

Talk about daily life of a teenage girl in Iraq, and days of suffering and success. My nick name will be Sunshine..

Thursday, September 13, 2007

That was huge ....

On Monday I was working on the computer, at about 5 pm, my family were having a nap , and I got an E-mail from the BBC (it is not the first time) but I felt excited, I checked the mail and read that they want an interview with me at that same day I immediately talked with the producer, and he said the BBC want an interview with me, alive, in a show called "world hear your say" and General David Petraeus will speak too!! I awaked my mom and took her permission..
she agreed to make the interview, I felt awesome, but extremely nervous, because I don't know what will the questions be about, and it'll be alive! I was thinking what if I didn't know the proper word in English, or what if I didn't use the correct word, I'd embarrass myself ! But the producer was very nice , friendly and very encouraging , I decided to take a risk, what will happen if I made a mistake or tow?!! It is not my first language and my English consider good for my age, it is even better from many adults!!
I sent them some of my favorite posts, and at 6:00 pm I had to leave my house with my family.. although I didn't want to, I wanted to create a new skype account because I forgot my password. But I had to take my uniform from the dressmaker (it looks really nice btw).
Anyway we also visited my dad's uncle who live in our neighborhood) , I was feeling really afraid and asked them to pray for me not to make any mistakes or speak too fast (when I get nervous I speak really fast), they told me they'll listen to the show and pray for me..
I came back at 7:30 and guess what??????!!! I didn't have internet service, I tried a lot, and tried to call the manager but he didn't reply. I tried to call the engineer but I didn't have coverage, I lost the coverage because of a LOUD explosion happened in a neighborhood in Mosul, I don't think it was a car bomb, I think it was a lorry.. the neighborhood was far away and our windows were opened! (just like the explosion in my neighborhood, everyone in Mosul heard it and thought it was in their neighborhood!)
Luckily I got an internet line and as soon as I logged in, I remember the password for my old account.. (lucky me!)
Now guess what, I couldn't hear them!! Problem with my mic, after many attempts we were able to hear each other (god loves me!).. my heart was beating fast, I made breathing exercises and listened to "seasons in the sun" to relax, I also talked to my supportive friend Madcanuck ..
I heard the General speaking, then other Iraqis, A blogger, marines, generals, and then it was my turn
I started to talk about 10:15 and had only 11 minutes of electricity !
while the interviewer was asking me about my eye problem the electricity was off. They were able to hear me, but I was unable to hear them .. I said "OOHHH "
My mom and family were saying " WWWWOOOOWW YOU DID IT WWWOOOWWW" and I started to knock on the table asking them to be quiet.
The producer said " You were brilliant!!!. SO good . Your English is SUPER " and they want to speak to me more.
I was thinking of my answers and electricity in the same time..
I believe I wasn't bad ..
My English, pronunciation, and explanation is getting better by time, the notes I get from my readers help me a lot, as well as my friend luke, I always ask him about the words I don’t know.
My family are proud of me, & I am proud of myself .. I have a great supporting family, they were listening to me in another room..
Dad said "your answers were diplomatic", and our family friend said I can be an ambassador in the future and asked me to never say I am young and can't do so much difference ..
I am glad, I believe my blog is a gift, I don't think I'll stop one day, because when I look at my achievements I feel more confident in myself, and when I receive E-mails from people telling me they know better about our life now, and I am like their eyes in Iraq, it worth everything I've done. I feel like I am a reporter, you know I love journalism, but it is not safe to be a journalist or reporter in Iraq, if the situation become better before I go to collage (which is impossible) I'd love to go to the journalism collage..
I am doing good for a girl my age, and I'll keep learning, improving, and educating myself.
Honestly, if someone three years ago tell me I'll be famous, have interviews, know famous writers, exchange E-mails with Hollywood star, my blog will be taught in universities and I'll write a book I wouldn't believe him and think he's crazy!…
Yesterday I went fishing, we have really nice nature, and in these days the weather is getting cooler (we don't sleep in the living room anymore!) We had really good time, although I caught only two fishes, last time I got about 20! But yesterday there were winds and people swimming, the breeze was great, I stood on the edge of a boat enjoying the view and the weather, is was awesome, and great place for thinking..
There were 3 families and 4 couples from Baghdad, so the session was great and my mom had a great time, she was happy, it is nice to see her shining smile of her beautiful face.. we kept laughing because I didn't catch anything but those two tiny fishes! The families there said "ok, today we will have lunch with you, we want Mazkoof" (mazkoof is a great Iraqi dish)…
I am glad I was able to convince my father to have lunch in the casino. The casino here is a place near the river, there is a restaurant inside the casino too, but you are free to bring your food with you, or you order for food.
In the morning the roads were closed, but later they were opened, We heard many explosion at that day but we went at 11 am and came back at 2:30 pm.and had wonderful time in spite of everything.
do you see the fish i caught?!
Sunshine

39 Comments:

At 10:24 PM, Blogger Unknown said...

Hi, Can I just say that I really enjoy your blog. And as you said in your post that you worried about your English, I live in the U.S. and you speak it better than a large majority of people here. Congratulations on your BBC interview, it must be an honor.

I'm and anti-war writer that lives in the U.S. and I'm 17. I get frustrated sometimes because it feels like I have no affect on the world, but you're an inspiration. Thank you for writing this.

It would be an honor if you stopped by my little blog and I would appreciate it a lot if you commented on it.
http://hpschooljrl.blogspot.com/

 
At 1:12 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Here's a link to the download in case anyone has trouble with the link Sunshine provided.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio/podcasts/whys/

 
At 3:58 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Sunny you're getting so famous!!!!! Don't get so big you forget about all us little people out here in blogland. I'm proud of you too : ) Keep your Sun shining!!

 
At 9:00 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hey! What wonderful news! Congratulations Sunshine. On the Beeb! (BBC).
It feels good to be writing to someone famous! I will write some more! But first, it's time for a late lunch....
bye for now

 
At 1:16 PM, Blogger Unknown said...

Congrats and
Ramadhan Mubarak

 
At 5:26 PM, Blogger John said...

We're so proud of you!

 
At 5:47 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi. My name is Shekha, and I'm a student living in Singapore. I was listening to your interview several days ago, and I must say you are beyond your years in expressing opinions. I'm very impressed.

I wish you all the best in your studies, and may you have a fulfilling Ramadhan, Insya-Allah.

Feel free to drop me an e-mail if you want to chat.
shayharrnesski@hotmail.com


Regards,
Shekha Harith

 
At 5:56 PM, Blogger John said...

P.S. Have a good Ramadan and please be careful (especially now that you're super famous)! Keep safe! We're still praying for you.

 
At 6:05 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Just gets better and better. I'm so pleased for you.
loved the photos too. take care.
starliz

 
At 7:26 PM, Blogger Jules said...

¡Congratulations Sunshine!

Your blog is an inspiration to many of us.

 
At 7:26 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I just went to the BBC and listened to your comment. I must say you sure don't sound 15 years old. You sound so grown up. I thought you did great and your english was great also.

 
At 9:05 PM, Blogger Ripama said...

Sunshine,

There's an expression that says, "Cream always rises to the top."

That's why I keep coming back to your blog year after year, to see you rise to the top.

Someone out there must be watching you if they keep wanting to interview you.

You do good work despite the bad times.

 
At 12:00 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hey sunshine, I really like your blog, and I was wondering: have you noticed a decrease in violence recently? The number of Iraqi deaths listed on icasualties.org look pretty low for September.

(anyway, I'll go download that interview)

 
At 1:34 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Well Sunshine, I've just listened to your BBC interview. Amazing! I thought you spoke very clearly and your accent was very easy to understand. Well done!

Hearing you reminded me that the Iraq war isn't just a talking-point: it's happening every day to real people like you. You're a very wise 15-year-old, that's for certain.

 
At 5:19 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Oh, sweetie... your blog is so bittersweet! Tears are running down my face. Thank you for sharing your life experiences with all of us. I hope that peace comes to you and your fellow countrymen very soon.

 
At 6:22 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I just listened to your radio broadcast and you did a very good job. What a very brave girl you are! And your English is very good!

My daughter is a soldier there, and so I read the Iraqi blogs constantly. I found your blog by reading iraqthemodel.blogspot.com. I read some very encouraging things there today.

As the Iraqis feel more confident that the Americans will not desert them, they will feel more comfortable in co-operating in getting rid of the terrorists. Then, as you said Iraqis will be able to get about the business of building their lives and their economy. I hope this happens very soon.

You are an amazing girl, a wonderful daughter and an extraordinary ambassador for your country. Blessings to you and your family.

 
At 10:35 AM, Blogger David said...

Hi Sunshine,

Happy Ramadan and congratulations on your BBC interview! I will try to hear the BBC podcast, but my internet connection is so slow! However, I can try my public library. They have faster internet there.

Sunshine, I am sure that it will be possible for you to study journalism if your heart is really set on it. I truely hope that Iraq will become a safe country again before you start college! However, have you considered the possibility of attending college somewhere in Europe or America? I think that with your tremendous talent for writing and your great skill with English, combined with the fact that you have become internationally known, you could very well receive a full scholarship to attend a very good university almost anywhere that you would like. Keep working hard in school and try to believe that your dreams can come true! :)

I haven't fished for a long time. I used to really enjoy catching fish, but the waiting to catch a fish could be very boring! ;) I'm glad that you enjoyed your fishing trip. :) I am guessing that the pictures are of you and your little brother? He seems very happy about his fish! Maybe next time you will catch one big enough to feed your whole family. ;)

Take care.

 
At 12:19 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Well done, Sunshine. You did very well and your English (especially the pronunciation) was better than many of the others on the show. Good for you. Keep it up.

I wish you and your family health and happiness for the future.

 
At 6:10 PM, Blogger Sunshine said...

hello .. thank you all for the nice comments .. i appreciate that a lot ..
that was my 9 years old sister and brother, not me!
Sunshine

 
At 6:52 PM, Blogger PolarBZ said...

Sunshine,
Congrats on your interview, you did fantastic! I hope that things continue to improve in your country. With people like you growing up there, things can only get better. Keep up the good work.

 
At 7:52 PM, Blogger Santa Rosa New School Aikido said...

Congratulations Sunshine!! I am so glad your voice is being heard. Will listen to the download this morning. Your hard work is making a difference in the world, sweetie. Ramadan mubarak to you and your family.

 
At 8:18 PM, Blogger Ripama said...

Sunshine,

I just finished listening to your BBC interview and I think you did a trmendous job. I was touched by your sense of patriotism, your cogent thoughts, and your courage speaking your mind.

 
At 3:09 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Dearest Sunshine,

The world is beginning to learn what we knew all along; you are an amazing young woman who is going to change the world. Because of your courage others will hear the call to speak out against wars. Because of you others will know that they too can make a difference. Because of you people will look outside their own countries and learn that we are all more alike than we are different. Because of you Dear One, I know that my life is a privilege that I take for granted. I have freedoms and choices that one so amazing as you deserves ten fold.

You are a constant source of inspiration and I know given your interview and your ongoing connections, you are going to change this world. You already are.
Be safe Dear One. Remember how loved you are.

4

 
At 10:23 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Sunshine,

I am a Canadian living in California, and I am also a mother of a girl who is 14 and a boy who will be 12 soon.

You are remarkable. Everything that you write and everything that you say is very important. You are very intelligent - like your family, it sounds like!

You will go to college one day if you keep doing what you are doing. You will be able to abroad, if Iraq isn't safe (which I hope it will be...but who knows, right?).

You will be able to study journalism and continue something that you are so talented at already...at 15 years old!

Keep writing sunshine, and please be safe. I'm sorry that Iraq is so scary. I hope that it can be made to be a safer place for you, your family and your neighbors and friends.

With the greatest of respect,

Hannah

 
At 10:27 AM, Blogger jhondie said...

Wow I had a lot of reading to catch up on. Congrats on your interview. Just remember, I'm your biggest fan! :)Oh, your English is very good! At your age, I'd say your gramar and spelling is better then most. Yeah we got some ignorant people in America :)I need to find a head set so I can listen to your interview. Stay safe Sunshine and God Bless you and everyone you care about!

 
At 11:47 AM, Blogger soleil m said...

i think ur blog is quite informative bout what's rely happening in iraq.

btw..i'm wondering..what's ur real name? my name is suria muhammad which also means sunshine in my language =]

 
At 7:34 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Sunshine,
Assalam Alaykum. I heard your interview with the BBC over the radio and I was really impressed. I wanted to learn more about your thoughts and experiences in Mosul so I looked up your blog. You have an excellent command of English. Unfortunately, my Arabic is not so good! Like you, I also have limited time to use the internet but I have spent much of it reading some of your postings. I must say that your name “Sunshine” is an apt one because not only are you very bright (i.e. thekiyah jiddan), but you also seem to shine warmth into the lives of those around you. Reading your words has been an inspiration. Thank you, and keep living the best life you can despite the situation around you. I can't help but worry about you but inshallah you and your family will remain safe always. I believe that Iraq needs people like you for a bright future.
Wishing you well,
Nicholas (berrinos@yahoo.com)
P.S. Ramadan Karim!

 
At 9:07 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

God Bless you & family,
we peaceful Westerners all weep for what our corrupt leaders have done to you & Iraq. Please do not hate us the citizen- we are simple people too and do not hate the Iraqi or the Muslim. Hate our leaders instead- I pray one day they will be trialled for war crimes.
I live in Indonesia- I am atheist, my wife Catholic & her father a Haji Muslim- her mom was Catholic. I have many Muslim friends- some have even been to your beautiful Iraq in 1997.
We all pray to God that this suffering will end for you all.
With much love from Indonesia,
love Mas Purba a very sad & sorry Briton- one of millions
Selamat Ramadan & Idul Fitr from Indonesia!

 
At 10:44 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

congratulation I've just listened to your interview and it's great feeling to hear you. You are so brave and your English is really good and you have so nice voice and sweet accent :)
You are begining to be quite famous Sunshine:) so keep bloging because your ours eyes and ears in Iraq.

Bye, bye

 
At 5:24 AM, Blogger TedTheAtheist said...

This comment has been removed by the author.

 
At 11:47 AM, Blogger Sunshine said...

Dear Ted ..
thanks for your comment..
for me, i am a muslim & believe in god.. i think there's a confirming for his exist .. but i am not going to discuss that, because i respect your opinion, and i hope you respect mine..
As for money, i don't need it, my parents offer me everything i need, but thanks for the offer.
i appreciate your concern..
Best wishes
Sunshine

 
At 10:25 PM, Blogger Margot said...

I am so thrilled to have found your blog...as a direct result of the BBC interview you did.
I am a spouse of someone in the US Navy and a scientist. Our family mourns the deaths of innocent Iraqis and the hardships imposed by tyrannical rulers in our country whp try to suppress every opinion but the one that they espouse.
I think many Americans are interested in the Iraqi people and in helping them, but the media here does not accurately present events, and as a result I think a lot of people feel helpless to do anything.
I am deeply interested in visiting Iraq and seeing what is happening there for myself, but I am told that the country is so unsafe.
You truly are an ambassador for your people and with that great power, you have the ability to propose things that average americans can do to help. I think you would find that many people would bend over backward to help the Iraqi people in any way they could.
What do you think?

 
At 11:56 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

argh! seems like the interview is no longer available at the link you provided...can I find it elsewhere?

/Daniele

 
At 12:53 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi, For everyone who has problem with finding interview with Sunshine here is original mp3 file.

http://www.sendspace.com/file/g7fupr

Sunshine has your say at the end of the audition - about 5 last minutes.

 
At 3:05 PM, Blogger Sunshine said...

hello ElJot, thanks a lot for publishing a link for my interview..
i replaced my link with yours ..
Sunshine

 
At 3:06 PM, Blogger Sunshine said...

Dear Formerly Feminist Military Spouse ..

thanks a lot for your comment.
i appreciate your concern ..
you asked what you can do to help the iraqis, well i think you can pray for us, and also help people in your country to know more about the Iraqi's real life, & what's really happing in Iraq. the part that media doesn't show.
thanks,
Sunshine

 
At 4:39 PM, Blogger ElJot said...

Sunshine, you are welcome !!!
I'm really glad that I could help with something such small as publishing interview with you on external server. I wish I could do something more to help you.
Warmest Greetings.

 
At 7:13 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

the blog is also cited in this BBC article:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/talking_point/6940384.stm

cheers,

/Daniele

 
At 3:01 PM, Blogger MixMax said...

Congratulations my dear, Sunshine. I am very proud of you :) I wish you success and more success.

 

Post a Comment

<< Home