Thank the Lord you are OK! You have done an absolutely wonderful job of representing our country, working to defend our freedoms and democracy, trying to help women of another culture, educating them about our society, showing them how American women are treated, and how we are valued and respected. I hope your efforts will spark the beginnings of a movement toward independence for these women and a new sense of self-worth. I pray that modern-minded Afghan men will support them.
I'm so glad the Afghan women now realize you and other women on post are not in prison as punishment. My heavens! I know they live in a repressed society, but that really shocked me. I pray they spread the word so that misconceptions like this can be corrected.
It really is true that we don't appreciate how fortunate we are to live in America and enjoy the freedoms and rights we have. Thanks to you and all the men and women with whom you serve. I think I speak for everyone when I say we, all of us, are so proud of you.
The quilts made by the Afghan women are absolutely stupendous. What magnificant works of art! I was under the impression that they were coming to "quilting class" to learn how to quilt! I think even the best of us could learn a heck of a lot from THEM! And to think they were all worked by treadle machine and hand-stitching! A lot of our grandmothers did the same thing, but their quiilts, although beautiful, were not nearly so intricate. These are just amazing! It is too bad that your quilting class came to an end so soon after it began. You worked so hard to get it started.
I'm so glad you will be on your way home very soon. I can't imagine how excited you must be. No matter how much you love your job, how much good you've done, and what a good impression you've left behind regarding American women and our military, there is nothing as wonderful as coming home to family and being wrapped in their arms with welcoming hugs. I'm not family, but here's a great big hug from me.
Be careful, have a safe trip, and WELCOME HOME!