Independence Day!

 How extra-special it is to wake up this morning as a FREE U.S. CITIZEN! 

This might seem like an odd proclamation, but after enjoying a very special picnic and fireworks party at friends' last night, I am feeling mighty grateful for the freedom I so often take for granted. We had special guests in attendance who were celebrating their very first American Independence Day. 

We'll start with a bit of background.

It's strange how life comes full circle sometimes, but former CHS students of mine, Matt and Olivia, are now good friends with my friend's son, Matthew. Matt and Matthew met and served together in the army; Matt was a groomsman in Matthew's wedding; Matt and Olivia, consequently, have been attending the fireworks picnic for several years now. Who would have ever guessed that so many years later we would be socializing with these two former students?

Matt introduced Fawad and his family with a brief telling of the story.

 

That background helps to understand how we happened to have these special guests with us last night. Matt served in Kandahar Province, Afghanistan, as an Army Captain in 2011-12. His interpreter was Fawad, one of many Afghan citizens aiding US servicemen in that 20-year-long war. The interpreters were essential to U.S. soldiers and were instrumental in whatever successes America gained while deployed there.

When the U.S. suddenly began pulling out of Afghanistan last August, citizens who aided America in any way were in extreme jeopardy of torture and death by the Taliban. They and their families were targeted by the Taliban for assisting US soldiers. It was a dire situation for Fawad, his wife and 1-year-old son. When Matt heard about the plight of these interpreters, including his personal friend Fawad, he went to work, diving headlong into a vast network of efforts to save American allies. Through his extensive network of military contacts, volunteers, and humanitarian aid programs, Matt spent the next 2 weeks doing all he could to secure spots for Fawad and his family on one of the last planes out of the Afghan airport.

Fawad and his little boy.

Matt has written an account of the harrowing 2-week endeavor, and his almost impossible goal of securing Fawad's safety from halfway around the globe. He succeeded in his herculean effort, but he's quick to add that he didn't do it alone; it took tremendous efforts by many to make it happen.

Here's an excerpt from Matt's account, written just after last August's military exit from Afghanistan. The story details events between August 17 - September 5, but it must have seemed like an eternity to Fawad and his family. I admit to choking up and wiping tears as I read.

"We also tried to keep things in perspective, and remember what THEY must be going though, on the ground in Afghanistan. At least we were safe in the U.S., even if we were getting worn down by the difficulty of the situation and the long hours. I have never had so many prayers answered in such a short time as I have in these last few weeks."

You know, we see and hear the news, and it all seems so remote, so distant and foreign to us. This up close and personal story of a race to secure freedom has left me with newfound admiration for what our military - both active and retired - can do. They are heroes! 

I enjoyed talking to Fawad and his wife Halima. During our introduction, Fawad told me that "Matt saved my life." Even ten months later, the sincere and pure emotion with which Fawad said this was evident in his voice and in his eyes. After reading the story, I believe Matt truly DID save his life!

Halima described arriving in DC with nothing more than the clothes they were wearing. They left everything they had in Afghanistan, and have no hope of ever recovering any of it. She said that she has liked every American she's met - everyone has been friendly and welcoming to her. (I was happy to hear that!) They are currently living in Columbus not far from OSU. Fawad has a job and Halima has just started working at a daycare where her son can be with her. Donations to the fund mentioned in Matt's account have provided them with a car. 

I am so proud to share this incredible Independence Day story. What a privilege to be living in 'the land of the free and the home of the brave.' What a privilege, indeed.

God Bless the USA!

Quilting content will return tomorrow! *wink*

Happy Quilting, Friends!