Frustration--But Still Thanking God and Keeping My Cool...

I was told I was leaving Islamabad via Toronto (I assume because they thought it was safer) approximately 9 hours before I left--talk about a rush.  I packed in record time and was out the door--barely enough time to say goodbye to the wondeful people at the house--guards, cook, etc.  They are the warmest, most humble people I have ever met.  They have nothing, but what they do have, they appreciate.  I smile to them, wave to them and "try" to talk to them (my Urdu lacks:).  I can see in their eyes that they are surprised that an "American" would do that.  Well, I want them to know the "true America."

Nonetheless, it was, to put it mildly, THE most interesting travelling experience I have ever had (and that says alot). I will not go on and on about it, but I will tell you that I am in a hotel in Chicago.  After everything I went through, with 1 hour to home, the flight was cancelled and I have to take a flight this morning.  I told you I did not like the Chicago airport--well, I haven't changed my mind!

This adventure was interesting, to say the least.  Am I sorry I went?  NO!  Again, I met wonderful, kind and generous people and had amazing experiences.  I thank God for that.  Every time I  leave the US, I come back feeling more and more thankful for everything I have.  Americans have SO much--and yet we complain.  Well, at least we don't send our barefoot children out on the streets begging for money so we can eat.  At least we have only to turn on the tap and have drinking water.  At least we know that we have electricity all day and all night.  At least we know our children will be educated and have a "good shot" at life.  At least we have doctors to go to--and we can trust. The list goes on and on.  So, the next time you complain because because your electricity went out for a couple of hours due to a storm, think of this.
Be thankful for what you have and give generously and happily.


Well, this is the end of an exciting blog (at least for me).  For those of you who read it, thank you for your support.
Ann

Something Else to Share--Very Humbling

Gosh, I thought that Chai seller looked familiar! Tisk tisk tisk... friends:
as Benjamin Franklin is reported to have said,
"Believe none of what you read and half of what you see."
*****
Around 1:00 am, while my family and I were sleeping, I awoke to the sound of a helicopter, gun-fire and  then an explosion which shook the house. We live near a military academy where we always hear gun-fire, helicopters and explosions - so I didn't think much of all the noise other than, "Gosh, does that academy have to conduct their training manoeuvres at such crazy hours!" (I am against guns and modern warfare and living next to a military academy is the only thing about this otherwise quiet town of Abbottabad that I dislike, but we wish to stay near to my wife's grandparents who have lived here most of their lives.)
The next morning, we received a call from my in-laws in America who had been watching Geo News the night before and heard about a helicopter crash in a residential district of Abbottabad.  They wondered if we were alright or had been awakened by any noise. They expressed concern that the news story seemed “odd” and my wife and I agreed. Normally the local Pakistani Military Academy (PMA) would not use helicopters in our mountainous region for “test” manoeuvres, but rather, only for flying in/out military officials or perhaps for occasional air surveillance during academy events - and rarely at night. Thus, we were all somewhat confused.
A few minutes later we received a nervous call from another American friend living in Pakistan who was concerned for our security and urged us to “keep a low profile” - not because of an accidental helicopter crash in our neighbourhood, but because President Obama had just announced that Osama Bin Laden had been captured and killed near Abbottabad.
 
After breakfast, I went to drive my wife to the school where she works only to find the roads near our home, and the very road the school is on in an area called Bilal Town, were all closed by police and media. It was there we realized that the two stories were indeed being linked together by the media, and where we also realised that all eyes in the world were suddenly on our quiet little mountain town.
What are the only facts I can provide?  There was indeed an explosion in the night and roads were indeed closed in the morning in Bilal-town and Kakul village, sub-urban areas of Abbottabad where there are indeed large scale homes, as described by various media reports.
At the end of the day - we only know what others tell us and, given the state of politics in the world today, I am sceptical at the best of times about who’s version of The Truth to believe. The death of anyone, in my opinion, is never something to party in the streets about.  It is something that should make us all reflective, humble and cautious about how quickly we judge others, and how easy it is to justify killing with what is perceived as "divine right”.
Whatever happened in the night a few miles away from my home - the news that has spread world-wide today could potentially erupt into more bloodshed if it is not handled with care and humility. We mourn the losses of 9-11, 7-7, all the bloodshed that has since occurred in Iraq and Afghanistan, all the soldiers and civilians worldwide who have been lost over these past many years.... So if Osama Bin Laden was our “Bogey-man”, and if indeed he's now dead... can we all just stop the killing and hate?  Or will the world just find another Bogey-man to chase so we can all justify wars that benefit the rich and keep the poor destitute?
Like the sticker on my guitar case says: "It will be a great day when schools have all the resources they need, and the air force will have to hold a bake sale to buy a new bomber."
It might be worthwhile also noting my thoughts on the local people's reactions to the news the US has just released, and to the celebratory reactions of some Americans in large cities like New York and Washington.
People here - my neighbours - are scared of vigilante "reactions" to the news.  Parents are worried that schools and public places may become unsafe if impassioned individuals "react" to the "celebrations" they see on TV from parts of the USA. People are also sombre, not because there was public support for OBL or what he or others ideologically aligned with him might think - but because, generally speaking this news - good/bad/however you choose to take it - does not really change the lives of poor people here. 20 years ago people here were poor... now, after all that's happened in the world - the poverty has only increased for the majority of Pakistanis.
  
I have been asked, “Are local Pakistani people angry with American’s for dancing over the death of OBL?”   Firstly, that would suggest that most Pakistani people actually thought highly of him or supported him, and secondly, it would also assume that Pakistani people are so absorbed with US culture that they are just sitting by their TV sets waiting to see how American citizens do things.
So to set the record straight - the citizens of Pakistan that I interact with day in and day out do not support fundamentalist approaches to religion or politics and do not consider OBL a “leader”.    I'm a Canadian born musician with very liberal political, social and religious views - yet my opinions, music and lifestyle are embraced more warmly by Muslims here in Northern Pakistan than by most Muslim communities in Canada, the USA or England!   Secondly, the people here in the region of Pakistan where I live tend to be very sombre, majestic and dignified. They are not constantly taking cues for their lives from other nations and cultures.  If Americans want to dance - Pakistanis won’t get in their way. Pakistani’s love to dance!   Here in the villages - weddings are great fun - full of dance and song…. but death?  It makes people sombre and introspective, bringing out their humility before God and in respect of justice.
Through the tragedies in America and UK and the wars that followed in Iraq and Afghanistan, few American citizens or British subjects went without bread or milk.  Even with rising gas prices highways are bumper to bumper in both countries with single occupant vehicles. Here in Pakistan, people cannot afford vegetables, sugar, wheat or lentils, - much less a tank of gas at US prices - where most people earn about 6-7000 Rupees (approximately $85 US dollars) a month to live on.
Talk of Afghanistan? EVERY morning I watch the Afghani refugees in my neighbourhood - the women and young girls cutting grass by the roadside and carrying sticks on their back to have kindling for the evenings, and the young boys sifting barefoot through garbage piles looking for things to sell for recycling. For them today is just another day looking for food as refugees from a country that has been wiped off the map. A country that once-upon-a-time was a hub of civilization, culture and learning.
So how are local people reacting? Last night we were attending the birthday party of a friend who turned 12 years old.  His father died three years ago due to poor medical attention for a heart condition and his mother raises him and his two siblings alone.  75% of her monthly salary as a teacher goes toward rent and she has about $35 left for all other household needs (including food).  To make things worse, their family were just evicted from their home by a wealthy landlord (who manages several homes and also has wealthy family over in Dubai) demanding more rent. They have nothing against Americans - or me as a foreigner - and they have no support for a man like OBL. How are they reacting to the news? I don't think they have time to celebrate in the streets - they are too busy trying to survive.
Some of you have asked me, “What can we do for those who are struggling in Pakistan?”
Though an easy answer may be for me to suggest we help by donating money to such-and-such organisation. However, in our world we've become so accustomed to just "buying" things.  We see something we want - we buy it cash or credit.  We see others in need, feel bad for them and make a financial donation. There is no doubt that money helps and groups like Red Cross/Red Crescent are always in need of our donations (my family and I are pleased to relate that we administrate two charities here in Pakistan: one for education and one for the building of homes lost by families in last year’s flood.) BUT - it is my belief that we are all interconnected by more than just financial paper trails. To help people like my 12 year old friend or the Afghani kids who search garbage pits near my home, I would suggest we all try to:
- Simply be aware of the extreme financial divide between how most of us live and how others live
- Be wise when we make purchases, by understanding and implementing a proper understanding of "needs vs. wants"
- Teach our children well - not just how to read and count, but about social awareness, social justice and social responsibility
- Try to live with humility, gratefulness, graciousness and compassion to others
- Examine our wastefulness.   Remember, whatever we bring into the house has to be accounted for somehow.  In places like North America and the UK I see much more emphasis on “Recycling” than “reducing” or “re-using”.  By and large, we are not encouraged to cut back on the waste we create, we are just conditioned to buy in bulk  because when we’ve tossed the plastic away, somebody else will just recycle it! Waste is waste - costs money to process and takes energy to dispose of or recycle. 
- Would it not be better if we all just tried to stop being so greedy?
- Volunteer our time with others in our local community who need love, care and hope.
- Give freely and look for no reward or recognition.
- Stop living in fear of what we don't understand and try to grow in understanding.
- Stand up for justice without excuses or concern of "how we might look to others".
The list goes on...
Here in Pakistan, the kids I pass who are shoeless and hungry are all our problem, just as all the kids in foster care or who are homeless in America and the UK are all our responsibility. Practically speaking though, I'm here and many of you folks are abroad, so let me help in my community and please get active in your own communities-always remembering: enough for you, is enough for two, and one life saved is like all mankind.

Successful and Fun Workshop!

It was not what I had in mind from the beginning, but it was better than nothing.  I had to hold it at the USEFP office (because there and the house are the only 2 places I can go currently).  I meant to take pictures, but I got so excited, I forgot (go figure).  Nice people; got lots accomplished and had a good time, too--can't beat that!  Whowee, I am exhausted tonight--I hope dinner and sleep in my near future:)

I Want to Share a Couple of Articles/Blogs With You...

To speak or not to speak about bin Laden?

David Garvin | May 4, 2011 at 8:54 am | Tags: Bonhoeffer, Ethics, Jesus, Matthew, Ministry, Osama Bin Laden, preaching | Categories: Faith, Life, Theology | URL: http://wp.me/pgHem-ou
As the world continues to muse on the death of Osama bin Laden many questions, concerns, and curiosities remain…
Yesterday I received this e-mail from a fellow pastor and friend:
I stayed up late last night watching the news coverage of the President's address and the reporting of the "killing" (and that is the way the media reported) of bin Laden. And I am struggling with images of Americans in the street outside the White House dancing joyfully at this man's death.  I know he needed to be brought to justice.  But as a Christian my heart is breaking at the display of glee and joy among our citizens, so many shown in the news coverage to be of such a young age. You and I serve the church and the Christ.  We preach about justice and forgiveness and reconciliation.  And I, as well as you, know that many of our parishioners may be jubilant at the news of bin Laden's death.  In this season of Easter, having just celebrated God's forgiveness and reconciliation in the Resurrection of the Christ, it seems the perfect time to speak to the Christian understanding of justice and forgiveness and the difficulty, at times like these, to be Christian...to live into our baptism ... to be Christian first, American second.  Where to begin? And do you think it wise to deal with this from the pulpit?
I wonder along with my friend: “Where do we begin?  What is the proper Christian response?  Is it wise to deal with the situation from the pulpit (or wherever you find your job or ministry)?”
Or do we say nothing?
I find these words from Dietrich Bonhoeffer's Ethics to be helpful:
"Some who seek to escape from taking a stand publicly find a place of refuge in a private virtuousness.  Such a man [sic] does not steal.  He does not commit murder.  He does not commit adultery.  But in his voluntary renunciation of publicity he knows how to remain punctiliously within the permitted bounds which preserve him from involvement in conflict.  It is only at the price of an act of self-deception that he can safeguard his private blamelessness against contamination through responsible action in the world.  Whatever he may do, that which he omits to do will give him no peace.  Either this disquiet will destroy him or he will become the most hypocritical of Pharisees."
We must speak.
We must speak to, into, and through the situations of the world.  To not speak is to say that it does not matter to us, our faith, or to God.  We commit not a sin of activity (theft, murder, adultery, gossip, etc.) but a sin of inactivity, of saying nothing.  Complacency in the face of injustice is as fraught with sin as the unjust actions that are committed.  We cannot withdraw into a refuge of private virtuousness.  We cannot retreat into our own hearts and minds, proclaiming to ourselves what the world needs to hear.
However, when we speak we must do so compassionately and modestly.  Not with chants of victory and triumph, but with pacifying tones of humility and peace.  We speak from a position of faith and peace seeking understanding, not from a place of celebration through killing.
When we speak, our words must be wedded to our deeds.  Our words of humility must be matched by time spent on our knees in prayers.  Our call for understanding and mercy must be paired with hugs and embraces of those who are different.  We cannot sing songs lamenting the loss of any life, and at the same time find a dancing partner in pride and jubilation.  We must not do as Jesus accused the religious leaders of his day, of neglecting the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith.  It is these, Jesus says, that they (and us) ought to do, practice, live, enact, and embody (Matthew 23:23).
Is it wise to deal with the situation?
Perhaps the death of bin Laden comes then as an opportunity for Christians...an opportunity to speak and embody the words of Christ...an opportunity to say true and compelling things about life and hope here and now through Christ's life, death, and resurrection years ago.  We, as Christians, enter this moment with a unique platform to shout and gloat less, but pray and reflect more.  Perhaps we seize the opportunity to show the world that we, as Christians, act differently when we hear the news of death and uncertainty.

Local Muslim Reaction: Death spurs relief, hope for an end to backlash

Local Muslims greeted news of Osama bin Laden's death with relief and hope that it would mark a decline in both terrorist ideology and the backlash it has generated against American Muslims.
“Like all Americans we thought it was very good closure and punishment for bad deeds that was long overdue,” said Ammar Almasalkhi, a Louisville doctor who heads the Council of Islamic Organizations of Kentucky. Bin Laden “never represented our values.”He said no one — Muslim nor non-Muslim — should interpret the attack that resulted in bin Laden's death as being against Muslims.“Justice should prevail over all,” said Almasalkhi, a native of Syria who is also president of the Muslim Community Center of Louisville, a mosque on Old Westport Road. He said his 11-year-old daughter was joining in with the “U.S.A.” chants as she watched televised news footage of Americans gathering to celebrate bin Laden's death.“When Sept. 11 happened, we felt disgust, we felt agony, we felt we were being attacked,” added Kiarash Jahed, a frequent prayer leader at the mosque.He said he hopes for an easing of the anti-Muslim sentiment that has arisen in the past year around the country with opposition to mosques — including one in Mayfield in Western Kentucky — and any legal recognition of Islamic law.“Will this bring closure to Islamophobia? I don't know, but I hope that cultural shift will begin to take place,” Jahed said.He said that while some overseas Muslims may resent the American attack on bin Laden in Pakistan, the military operation was necessary. “It's the lesser of two evils,” Jahed said. “Making an attack on another country's soil obviously is going to be seen as inflammatory, but the closure that could possibly come from this (through) a decrease in terrorism, is that not worth it?”Ihsan Bagby, associate professor of Islamic studies at the University of Kentucky, said bin Laden's death deals the second major blow of 2011 to “Salafi jihadism,” an extreme version of Islam that attempts to justify terrorism. The other, he said, is the “Arab Spring” wave of protests that have toppled autocratic rulers in Tunisia and Egypt and challenged those in other Middle Eastern nations. “I think this marks the end” of extremism, he said. The protest “movements say the answer is not in terrorism but in people rising up in protest to establish democracy. Hopefully these events, the movements of democracy and the death of Osama bin Laden, will help Americans see that Osama bin Laden should not be the face of Islam.”
Aly Farag, a native of Egypt and a board director at the Muslim Community Center of Louisville, agreed. “People have seen not a single American flag was burned, no ‘Death to America' slogans were shouted,” in the Arab protests against some regimes in the Mideast, said Farag, a professor of electrical and computer engineering at the University of Louisville. “It was people (seeking) economic and political development.”He said the United States played a positive role in easing the Tunisian and Egyptian leaders from power and should use its influence to resolve other issues in the region, such as the Israel-Palestinian conflict and the need for Arab economic development.Muhammad Babar, a native of Pakistan, said bin Laden's death was “a great day.”“As a doctor and as a person of faith, the loss of any human life is not something I would celebrate, but in this case I hope this ends an era of extremism,” said Babar, president of the Association of Physicians of Pakistani Descent of Kentucky and Indiana. “… As a Muslim, I believe bin Laden has caused more damage to Islam and Muslims than anyone.”Reporter Peter Smith can be reached at (502) 582-4469.

On Wed, May 4, 2011 at 10:04 PM, Ann Riedling <ariedling@gmail.com> wrote:
Staying only miles away from the village (in Islamabad), I believe the Pakistanis are handling it better than the Americans.  Muslims do not believe in killing.  Although they are glad he can no longer terrorize us (and them), it certainly is not celebrated.  I feel precisely ad David does--and have from the beginning.  Death is nothing to celebrate, regardless of the situation. It has gotten completely out of hand in the US.  Pakistans are somewhat quiet about it,but happy that they will  no longer be "linked" to terrorism.  All of the Pakistanis I have met--and they come from villages, cities, everywhere are wonderful, giving and caring people who believe deeply in God--everyone's God.
Ann

Kind, Wonderful People!

I just had a visit from Faisal.  (He is the mastermind behind all of the schools--computers, books, etc.)  Such a wonderful man! He brought MANY gifts from the Punjab province--absolutely lovely! All of them are hand made by the locals (and so beautiful--how do they do that?)  I really look forward to the workshop tomorrow.  Oh, Faisal also gave me a CD with a video about a wonderful school in Punjab for students who are orphaned, poor, etc.  It  is amazing--and they are building seventy (70) more!  There is good all over the world--especially in Pakistan.

I am so, so fortunate--thank you, God.

OH BOY--Get to "Teach the Teachers" Tomorrow...

...I was hoping to teach the children and set up the libraries, but this is what they will allow me to do.  Actually, I am not to leave the "house," but they will allow me to do this--yippee!!  I really look forward to it and hope they will talk alot about the children,  Another day, another dollar??? (smile)

Different Plans, Inshallah!

It looks like now I will not be leaving until Monday.  Whew, I AM just playing it hour by hour, because things change at the drop of a hat.  They are being super cautious and are waiting until they believe it is safe to travel out of Islamabad.   Just an update...

I'm Back in Islamabad!

Still...I am not sure of the plans.  I will go into the office this morning and find out when I leave.  At least I am allowed to go into the office.  It certainly has be "unusual" time--to say the least.  That being said, I still love Pakistani people--just one rotten apple in the bunch.

Will be keeping you posted...

Plans...Maybe

So  far, I hear that they are going to fly me to Islamabad and get me out as soon as possible.  The USEFP director said that things in Karachi were horrible yesterday (not sure why, because it is a long distance from Islamabad).   I'll know more later--I'm  just taking it an hour at a time.  So far, I have seen nothing, although I am in an international hotel.  The people I meet here seem happy about this death.

I SO much wanted to create the libraries for the children, but it will occur without me anyway.  Faisal and Asad are going to give workshops and send the books, computers and bookshelves to the Nashera area.  Just wish I could have been a part of it all.

Wow, this experience has certainly been different from the one in October.  One thing is for sure--I'll NEVER forget where I was when the announcement was made!

Another Day of "Hotel Arrest"

I won't lie, it is rather unnerving here.  I have no idea what will happen.  I imagine they don't want me back in Islamabad (and most of my things are there.)  I am also disappointed that I cannot help the children--that is what I came for.  Best case scenario:  I will fly back to Islamabad tomorrow and continue until my days here end.
I have no"feeling" at this point.

All of you,  thanks for your reading my blog and your support.  I would appreciate your prayers.

Bummer, Bummer, Bummer!

I was just notified by the US Embassy that I was not allowed to leave the hotel today.  Everyone I have talked to here (Pakistani) are relieved; however, I must follow protocol.  I guess I'll find out later if they send me to Islamabad...or even home.  Such timing...

Hmmmm...An Interesting Event...

All I can say at this moment is that the Pakistanis that I have talked to are quite relieved as well.  Interesting that is was just 80 miles outside of Islamabad.  We'll see what the day brings--already had 5 phone calls...

HEY, EVERYONE........PLEASE

...give me responses!!!!  I feel all alone here:(.  Tell me what you like, hate, want to do, would hate to do, what places are like, what the people, food, etc. is like....  I'm trying to give you a "real picture" (as much as I can on a blog)--I'd LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU!!!!

Sunday--A Planning Day for Me...

I met with my resource to visit the welfare organizations and schools today.  Such an awesome and wonderful man!  We spoke for almost 5 hours!  Much to do in the next 3 days (well, for that matter, until I leave:).  THIS is what I LOVE to do!  I am excited!  Because I have little to offer for a blog today, I am sending some pictures I have saved.
The pictures:
1. Just Lahore residents on a street
2.  A Lahore shop
3. Another Lahore shop!
4. Lahore Fort (where the elephants walked down with the royalty)--totally amazing fort!
5. Lahore Zoo--right across from the Avaari Hotel

I'll be back tomorrow with lots more news!...

Lahore, Lahore, Lahore!

Well, I made it with no mishaps (to speak of:).  The hotel is just as it was in October--glorious!  Oh, they just knocked on the door and brought me a vase of fresh roses--yep, you read that right!  We should tell Holiday Inn, right?  Asam is my driver here--he was in October, too--and he is AWESOME!  He goes into shops with me and makes sure they give me "good stuff at the right price."  Such a kind man.  He was also telling me more about the politics and culture of Lahore--very interesting (and some very frightening and so, so foreign to our beliefs).  Oh, speaking of that, the man who lives next door to the house I live in in Islamabad has 4 wives (they are all sisters?) and has 43 children!! (wonder what he does in his spare time:)  OK, so I did go shopping, but I don't have great pictures.  My last stop was an entire building that had nothing but handmade Pakistani items--SO COOL!!  I got so excited that I forgot to take pictures!

The first pictures are the inside of the Avari Hotel (even the women's bathroom--they have vessel sinks!!)and in downtown Lahore--a few shopping pictures.  Sorry they are not great--didn't have time to go to THE big one!  I thought I was going to "play" all day--but they have different plans for me--so I am off to work...