I worried about how and what to send my family to help them deal with the economic sanctions, which were imposed on the country in 1990, and are still in place. I tried to send them presents, such as handbags and so on. Despite the very difficult conditions in which they were living, they still felt compelled to send me gifts in return. One time, my mother sent me a blanket, some dried food and pieces of material. These 2 purses arrived in 1992 and ’93. I learned that my sister, Nabila, had made them by hand. She had bought a sewing machine to make clothes for the children. I was moved and felt proud of her – especially as she used to hate both knitting and sewing. She always refused when I used to suggest that she learn to sew during the summer holidays. She was forced to leave her job because sanctions meant she wasn’t being paid enough to cover her transport costs to and from work. She had to learn how to sew, and to be creative. She started making purses and handbags and selling them. I am proud of her for showing such resilience. When my family send me gifts, it is their way of telling me they are alright.