Thought for the day

[linaewen]

Rather than say anything new, I thought I would repost something from my archives.  The following was what I posted on September 11, 2004 -- and may I add, the school is still running, and the work continues over there, even though we are no longer a part of it:

On the anniversary of 9/11, I am finding some hope and encouragement in the fact that people can pick up the pieces and continue on in the face of frightening tragedy.

As a result of 9/11, American troops went to Afghanistan; as a result of their fight there, terrorists in Pakistan began attacking American interests within Pakistan and changed my life and my work forever. Some of these terrorists planned and carried out an attack on the children and staff at my son's boarding school, killing 6 Pakistani staff. The school was closed for two years.

I am grateful to say that today, that school is once more open and running -- it has been for several weeks. In spite of the precarious state of things in Pakistan these days, they are determined to offer a quality education for those foreigners who remain in the country. The children are happy to be back and the parents are grateful for that.

I know that many still struggle with what happened that day three years ago, and that they have not yet been able to pick up the pieces. It is hard to stand up again after we have been knocked down, to face the thing that hurt us -- the fear is still there that we could get knocked down again. I pray that all those who were affected in any way by the events of that day would be able to face their fear and their doubts and remain standing.

(((Everyone)))

Comments

[estellye.livejournal.com]

One of many stories of hope! Good for them for not allowing fear to stand in their way. The school is an excellent example for us.

So many people feel helpless in the face of tragedy, but we are so much more powerful than we know. We are equally capable of creating beauty and good as we are of creating horror and pain. I have to believe that more people choose the former and over time less and less will choose the latter.

[hapendfro.livejournal.com]

What a wonderful sentiment. One of these days I really want to find out how and why you were in Pakistan. It sounds fascinating and humbling too.

[lin4gondor.livejournal.com]

We lived there for 18 years, working with a missionary agency that had a techical training school and some other ministries there. We've been back about 3 years now, helping our son settle in the US after living so long overseas. We would like to go back sometime!

[faramirgirl.livejournal.com]

((((((lin4gondor)))))) I don't think anyone is going to forget that fateful day never.I do pray that the ones more touch by it will find peace and happiness.

[siradaono.livejournal.com]

Thanks for this again
Tom
2008