Letter from Afghanistan

My nephew Jake is stationed in Afghanistan--I thought you would appreciate what he wrote recently:

Well I'm coming up on 5 months now here in sunny Afghanistan and thought I would share some of my opinions and views with everyone who has the pleasure of not being here.

While Afghanistan is and always has been a country of war, it continues to accept western influence. Most of the Afghan people welcome the U.S. with open arms. Never have I drove to a city in Washington where I knew no one and greeted with a smile from almost everyone. Maybe it's the uniform, or the fact that we are doing something good here. I like to believe the second of the two.

In my time here (about 5 months) I have seen a lot of tragedy but a lot of good as well.... But one fact still remains the same this is one of the poorest if not the poorest country on the planet.

My biggest point of this message is do not for a second take for granted what you have right now. You have to live your life to the fullest, this may sound like one of those posters hanging up in shop class you know the ones that say "honor" etc with a picture of some eagle flying. But what I'm saying is true. Take it as you will but there are kids afraid to go to school around here. Most of the schools have barb wire surrounding them. The people that aren't against us are just as much of a target as we are. Bombings are constant across the country in civilian towns.

People live off of homemade bread, rice, and goats. There are sheep herders who walk 20+ miles to make a living. Living in tents in the middle of the desert. Most homes are made of mud, sticks, and some feces. Pissing and shitting in the streets, most towns get their water from a well, and some have to walk to other towns just to get the water.

So what I'm saying again, live your life to the fullest please don't take anything for granted. I know I wont when I get home. Some of you out there aren't proud to be an American but after a visit to this place or places like this, you would change your mind. Love your wife, husband, brothers, sisters, sons and daughters don't spend time on arguments life is too short. I have become more mature over here when it comes to certain things, but don't worry hopefully I'll be the same Jake when I get home. Just a little better at the things I knew I needed to improve on.

Keep him in your prayers--and the people of Afghanistan, too, while you're at it!

Comments

[(formerly) no-blog-rachel]

Wow. That really hits home (and I do appreciate what I have but now even more). What a great nephew you have!

[Sylvia]

You must be proud of him! We are fortunate to have such gems in the Services. I'll definitely keep Jake in my prayers.

[Petunia]

I spent 3 years in a 3rd World country, many years ago. The first time I heard our anthem played about 3 days after returning to the US, at a public sporting event,I sobbed uncontrollably. Strangers stared at me, backed away. They didn't know, didn't understand. Jake does. Has he been able to get calls through to family?

[Joy]

What a great letter - thanks so much, Jake and all the others who are serving!

[Linda]

Thank you so much for sharing. Please tell Jake I'll keep him in my thoughts.

[Emily]

Wow, that is really a good reminder and well-written too. Hope everyone (of any nationality) over there stays safe.

[Michale]

What a beautiful message! Although I haven't been to Afghanistan, I had similar feelings after reading A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini... I've never been so grateful to be an American. Your Jake is a very deep and thoughtful young man.

[CarolineF]

I recently read a marvelous book about Afghanistan called (I think) An Unexpected Light by Jason Elliot. He writes beautifully - his book about Iran is also awesome. This book was written before September 2001 and it is haunting to read comments about how the US declined to support the government that was trying to keep the Taliban from taking over the country.

[Doris]

Thanks for sharing that letter. I'll keep Jake in my thoughts and prayers.

[Krista M]

Hello! I am writing to see
if you wanted to contribute to
an afghan for Rachael at yarn-a-gogo
in sympathy for losing her mom. I
am trying to collect 8 inch knit
squares.
Please contact me at knitdelaware
ATyahooDOTcom and let me know.
Thanks! Krista M

[Cassie]

That's really moving. Thanks for sharing it.

[PJ]

ABSOLUTELY! WE ARE FREE BECAUSE OF THE BRAVE (your Nephew)!!!! My hats off to him. I think some people really fail to look outside their bubble or certain level of living. He and all our troops everywhere are in my prayers daily. I'm sooo glad you shared this letter. The good your Nephew is doing is on so many levels and he is experiencing and learning so many worthy lessons. It's not all about war. esp. when deployments take place at all times. (knowing that from our own US NAVY lifestyle) This letter is very moving and I need to share it if that is ok. (link your blog in my next post) Many AMERICANS do not realize what they have (even the poorer Americans)and the freedoms we really have. Again best wishes to your Nephew and all our military!

[PJ]

poof gone...my long comment gone! I'm so glad you shared this letter and my hats off to your Nephew! My prayer for him and all our military. I think some Americans fail to look outside their lifestyle bubble. It's not all about 'war...the life lessons and experiences your Nephew is having is making him a better person! (as we know from our own NAVY lifestle)WE ARE FREE BECAUSE OF THE BRAVE! That you SOOO much for sharing and I want to link your blog post in my next post if I can!

[PJ]

I'm so sorry about the double type comment. When I hit post I got that error and I even clicked away and came back and it wasn't there... ;}