One of my favorite friends here is from Pakistan. I'm a blurb-er- who would've guessed?? I so rudely said that I would've have guessed because he's so nice. He replied that my views were shaped by the media. Well, what am I to think when that's where Bin Laden was found? But my buddy Shumail or Shumie is incredible and peaceful and kind. He vacations in China and has invited me to visit his home if I should ever get to Islamabad. He tells me of his home and his family- really, only Americans share details. This is an honor and reserved for close friends. The rest of the world think we are nosey.
Speaking of, the other day I was walking out of the DFAC (chow hall), and one of the (Afghan) tray collectors said to me- Hello! How are you ma'am? OK- usually I wince with the ma'am thing...and I have been successful to not reply- piss off...but, I was unbelievably shocked! The rest of the world, or the non-Americans think that the our greetings as "how are you" are nosey and unacceptable. We do it without thinking- OK, so hence...But the dude had the biggest smile and I had to reply, "Hello back and how are you today?" He was so pleased with his reply, "Very well thank you."
Today, I have to share with you a story of an American soldier who came to KAF base to stay at the Wounded Soldier's Hospital. Now picture an eating hall where hundreds of people are in various forms of eating. Now see the wounded soldier with his bilateral crutches trying to limp to a table with his tray in the mists of harried diners. Unbelief to me that no one stopped what they were doing to help him. Yes...of course I did. And he did not want the help, but too bad. So, I went and got him drinks and dessert too! Thank every soldier that you see for their service that provides our freedom and maybe one day soon you too may be able to serve them in return.
Next, I've hung out with Bosnians. Croatians, Macedonians, Italians, only Brits speak of their home (maybe to make us jealous that we broke away?). None speak of their family's and it's culturally rude to say for example, " How's your family?" so, a few days ago one of the guys was very homesick and seeing me sitting alone on the smoking bench, always available for conversation, started off telling me about his 4 month old son and his 3 yr old son. The sacrifice of his being away broke my heart. Then he told me of South Lake in Bosnia and the beauty of the country. Another ran up to me later to tell me that so & so's Mom died 4 days ago and he had just gotten word of it. Americans have the Red Cross for such emergencies. I went to talk to the grief ridden person to offer comfort and to help get him home. We are so privileged that it never occurred to me that everyone doesn't have such resources.
Another time, I went for my morning smoke, ( Geeezzz, is that all I do is smoke? It's funny that I didn't start up again until I got here). An Indian guy who I knew a little and likes to practice his English on me struck up a conversation. Most Indians will not speak English, but can read it. He was telling me of the politics and conflict between India and China, (I had no idea...Americans have enough to deal with...OK I'm a little ignorant). China is also in a border dispute with Pakistan- WOW! Does China like anyone? The story goes that China is losing the war due to the Indian Gods who are helping the Indians fight. The Chinese never see the bullets coming and are getting smashed! He is very convincing in his story, but I am thrilled that he's going through the trouble of explaining everything to me and in English.
And lastly, the girls from the UK who were a blast! We drank near beer and with them it felt like the real thing. They spoke of their lives, and the pubs, and their jobs, and the pubs, and their boyfriends, and the pubs, and the pubs and the pubs. They were always laughing and they had just got stuck in camp for a week, but it felt like a lifetime. I was very sorry to see them leave.
OK, one more...One black American man walked up to me, in front of the co-worker that said I was too friendly, and said to me, "You are so nice. You'd walk a mile to put a smile on a sad face and I really appreciate that so far from home." Am I tooting my own horn? Not really. I have a great gift from the Lord and I will not throw it away no matter who cuts me down.
So, that's all I have for today. Miss ya all!
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