From here and there

It’s a strange thing to feel both a stranger and from a place. To tell the truth, the human condition is capable of extraordinary adaptability. We are programmed to, with time, see the beauty in things. And ironically, with time, to take this beauty for granted.

When I first got here, the sensation and excitement associated with newness swarmed over me. Not only was I in an unimaginable job and place but the amount of human capital surrounding me made my arrival even more welcoming. To tell the truth, time passes here faster and in more extraordinary ways than in what we would call “in normal circumstances”. One gets used to the sound of helicopters, outgoing mortars, port-a-potties, guitar hero, chay with the Afghans and drinks with the French, singing, cigar smoking….

One becomes a part of the community. As diverse as it is, there is a sense of belonging. After only 3 months I am no longer a newcomer but rather a welcomer. Flexibility and a good sense of humor makes this experience more amenable. There are some that refuse to integrate and would prefer to latch on to the memories of home, while others embrace this new experience full heartedly and find or create their nitch. The fact of the matter is that no matter where you come from or why you’re here you are one of here and as such you also belong.

I have been fortunate to not witness the loss of anyone thus far but I have witnessed the solidarity and mourning when one is lost forever. While I would not desire to experience this mourning myself or for anyone else- it is in fact what brings us back to reality. The evident truths are: life is short, life is not a guarantee and no matter what we do good people will always leave, get fired or die. Perhaps the only consolation for all this is the good saying that “it is better to have loved and lost than to have never loved at all”.

While I would have never imagined myself in this place and am definitely a unique fit- I have become a part of the life of this area. The truth is I have nothing in common with the people here other than the fact that we are here together. Indeed I am a stranger to this place but yet I feel that for now, I belong.

Mariam Zan