I have been training a lot for the upcoming kite-fighting tournament that will be held in our town. I have learned many different tricks to cut my opponent’s kite and I have also broken grandpa’s record. I believe that I will win the gold medal like I did last year.
I threw my shalwan kameez in the garbage and started wearing jeans and t-shirts like everyone else, not only because they are more confortable to play in, but also to stop being reminded of what happened in Afghanistan. I’ve got used to the life in America and it is not as hard as it was when I first arrived. America is my watan and I will not return to Afghanistan even if the Taliban leave. To protect myself, I carry the slingshot with me wherever I go.
I had to leave school because I was bullied my many students. I have been home schooled for 2 years now, and it is really fun. I have made lot friends at the park, but I have met my best friend Ahmed at the mosque. He is a really good kite runner and everyday when we finish namaz, we go to the beach and swim till we get tired. The beach and the ocean are the most beautiful things I have ever seen; I don’t even know how I lived all these years without the ocean.
My English writing and reading have improved significantly thanks to Khala Soraya. And one day I hope to be a great writer like Kaka Amir. I will write novels about Afghanistan to raise awareness of what is happening in there.
A few months ago Kaka Amir and I travelled to Pakistan to open the new section in the hospital between the Afghani-Pakistan boarders. The hospital has treated thousands of refugees, and still does everyday. The people there all thanked Kaka Amir and kissed his hand for what he has done for them and their families. Also a building that will consist of shelter homes and an orphanage is being built with the help of Kaka Amir near the hospital. The number of causalities is increasing everyday and the hospital can’t keep up with them. Afghanistan is still the same joyless place I’ve known since I was born, but the situation of Hazaras has changed dramatically. Nowadays Hazaras have enrolled in the army, pursued higher education, and have top government positions. And the good thing in America is that they don’t differentiate between a Hazara and a Pashtun.
Amir formed many charities to help fund the hospital and the orphanage. He travels around America to give speeches, and sometimes he takes me with him. Once I told the people in the conference what happened to me in Afghanistan, and many of them started crying. That day we raised a lot of money.
I really miss you Baba and Mama, and so does Kaka Amir. I pray for you everyday, and that one day I will join you in heaven. I think you would both like it here in America. The oceans never end and every once in a while you look up and could see a rainbow. And the parks are filled with kids flying kites. I know you are not going to read this, but when I write these letters it feels like I’m talking you. I can’t say everything in these letters, but I want you to know that I love you very much. In the end I just want to tell you that you don’t have to worry about me; and I want to thank you for raising me up to be a good man.
Sincerely your beloved son,
Sohrab