Displacement was a theme through critical stages of my development. Displacement from my family of origin, my ancestral homelands, and at times my own body. As a young child alone in a room, I'd cry out to God in sadness and rage often questioning my own existence. When life was safe and carefree I'd radiate gratitude and love towards God for the feelings of joy and happiness. No one could ever convince me that the connection I felt and still feel is not real. My altar is an accumulation of my life experiences and objects representing different religions, faiths, and belief systems. Images of my late mother, father, and grandparents, Islamic evil eye prayer beads gifted me from a Greek stranger on a subway platform, Star of David stone gifted me during Yom Kippur,  the Golden Girls, holy water from Ireland, bird feathers, La Madama, Mother Mary, Ochun, La Virgen de Guadalupe, funeral prayer cards, the Laughing Buddha, and the Son of God himself are some examples of who live on my altar and have my carried through the gravest and the highest of experiences. It is the place I return to. My altar is indeed my home. 

– Freda

Relationship:  Child of im/migrant Child of im/migrant