The Path to Redemption

There have been many hardships that I have seen Amir jan face in his lifetime. I have seen him develop, and learned of him witnessing a terrible act and not attempting to stop it. I have seen his insomnia, developed in him because of that fateful day. I can still recall the long and difficult journey that he and Baba made, and after hearing from them and learning that this trip took almost 3 months to transition from Afghanistan to America, my heart truly goes out to him. However, it must be realized that Amir is not done growing and still has much to do. I have just finished talking to Amir and Baba, and have seen how they have changed since going to America. Thanks to your last reply to my blog, I learned that you are living in Fremont, California, and I have to wonder how this living condition has affected you and has possibly changed you from the way that you used to be in Afghanistan. I am personally hoping that one day you will return to Kabul, and come back to the house that you have left me to take care of in your absence (which I have no problems in doing). Without you, this house has felt very empty for a long time, and I think that you both, Amir and Baba, feel empty without this house you used to live in and your home country of Afghanistan.

I think that all will be pleased to know that I have located Hassan, and found that he has a wife, and is still strongly questioning about you. I have also found out that he can read and write, opening the door for possible communication with him. I also told Hassan about your father’s passing, bless his soul, and this has helped change the mind of Hassan to come with me to Kabul to help take care of the residence of Amir. He says that he will try to restore the house to its former glory, but refuses to move inside with me. I will try to persuade him further, but hearing him come back over the idea of Amir jan’s return is enough to move any man. Hopefully, you will read this, Amir, and see just how dedicated Hassan still is, and it seems that he will continue to be. If you can see it to come home, I’m sure that Hassan would most definitely appreciate it more than anything in the world. May Allah preserve you in all of life’s endeavours, Amir jan.

Link:
Afghanistan War Information
Timeline of the War

Music:
I Will Remember You - Sarah McLachlan
My Wish - Rascal Flats

The Impossible Escape

Many different things have taken place since Baba and Amir left. There has been a strong shift in power over to the Russians that invaded our beautiful land. As well, there are tortures and rapes happening quite frequently just outside of town. The landscape has been brutalized, filled with much graffiti, holes from bullets and weapons, and the display of trucks, and large machines that the Russians continue to leave out in the streets. However, through all of this disaster and chaos, I have head tales of the great journey that Amir and Baba have taken. I have heard of how they have left the country by first travelling on an old Russian convoy truck. I could only imagine the heat and suffocation that they must have felt over the long journey. There have also been whisperings that they were smuggled through to Jalalabab, where they should have gone onto a second truck full of more people with the same mindset. From there, I tried to imagine the route that they could have taken, and I could only assume that they would have gone through the Keiber Pass through to Pashawar, and I hope that they made it safely.

It still shakes me to the core to see how far that the mighty can fall when there is a sudden turn of events. Part of me hopes that they can stay out of any hovels, or any horribly decrepit places, but part of me feels that in Baba protecting Amir, he will do whatever they must to get them both out of the country to safety. The journey can only be one that will take time, and will be dangerous, but I pray that they will get out safely, and prosper in a new land. The journey that I am envisioning for them would take days and nights, and would be almost impossible by foot. Why, just from Kabul to Jalalabab is already 170 kilometers through the mountains, and then even farther to Peshawar. I pray that their journey is short, their feet swift, and that they are ever fortunate on their travels. Godspeed.

Links:
Afghan Immigration
Afghans in America
Afghan War

Music:
Lean On Me - Bill Withers
Open My Heart - Yolanda Adams

High-Flying

All the preparations seem to be going so well. All of the Tar has been coated in the powdered glass and glue, and the beautiful white, green, and orange kite ready to soar high in the sky. After speaking with Baba, I can start to understand the way that Amir must feel, knowing that tomorrow, all the pressure that has been laid on by his father and the people of the town, as they all know of his father’s record of cutting 13 kites. When Hassan and Amir went together to get that kite, I could easily see the love that Hassan has for that kite, and the hope that they both share in their awaited victory in the tournament. I can see that there is a strong sense of kinsmanship that the boys share, especially in their ability to do so many different things together, from reading to always “hanging out” (if that’s what the kids these days say). I can see how strong the bond that they share is, and the true sense of friendship that they share. The emotions in the household the last few days have been staggering, but all of the stirrings have been for the good of Amir and Hassan for tomorrow. The commotion also helped to direct them towards being emotionally prepared for tomorrow. I have also found the newly crafted writings of Amir and I must say, they are a true sight. I only wish he would write a journal of events as well, so we could catalog all of the journals to look back to in the future. But since he will not, I shall.

I have seen these boys grow together, seen how they have grown close, almost as brothers, throughout their lives, with Amir reading to Hassan, and with Hassan standing up for Amir. I hope that this level of kinsmanship will persevere, especially through the harder times. But coming from the different backgrounds that they have, sustaining this relationship could be difficult. They both seem to have good heads on their shoulders, and seem to have the wisdom (almost beyond their years) to try and hold strong to each other, no matter what they face (as they have in the past). There is much talk within the town about the low standing that Amir may have compared to the other children, but Hassan foregoes that and still works with him, showing that they have a bond that will not be easily broken. I wish the all the best with the gudiparan bazi (kite fight) tomorrow. You can do it boys!

Links:
Kite Fighting Info
Kite Fighting in Kabul

Music:
Wind Beneath My Wings - Bettie Midler
That's What Friends Are For - Various
Count On Me - Bruno Mars