Wednesday I took the kids to the pool. We got there early and found one of the very few prized shade areas. A middle-eastern women dressed in a burqa, came in with her children. I knew she would be hot in the 97 degree weather, so the kids and I scooted our chairs as tight as possible and offered to share our shade with them. The woman, Mesa, gladly took us up on the offer. Throughout the three hours we were there, Mesa and I struck up a wonderful conversation. She shared a swim cap that she had purchased in the Middle East a couple months ago, with Sieauna. She asked about the book I was reading and asked me if I had read "A Thousand Splendid Suns". She gave me her just finished copy and I read the first six chapters at the pool, discussing every chapter with her as I read. I got hooked! She said "I just knew you'd like it". She was so friendly, so kind. I came home and put the book on hold at the library. I picked it up yesterday and am almost done reading it. God puts people in your life everyday for reasons we are not sure of, but I am so glad for the chance meeting with Mesa. I hope to run into her again someday.
7/14/2008:
Afterthought: The book was amazing, heart wrenching, touching. I couldn't put it down and finished it in two days. Knowing that Mesa has experienced the aspect of Middle Eastern life, makes her a very strong woman in my eyes. This book, and the Kite Runner, have really opened my eyes to what exactly is going on over there. Also, it makes me realize that sadly we have a long way to go before our armed forces, as well as the people of the Middle East, can make it a country even close to what we have in America. After reading those books, I truly love my country and boy are we spoiled! Wow...all I can say.
