To my friends in Pakistan, "Asaalam o alikam"
I am safely back home In Woodend, Australia – back to my comfortable home, family and friends – but I couldn’t sleep very well for several weeks – not just because of jet lag but because the thoughts of my month in Pakistan wouldn’t leave my head. The many friends I made, the wonderful hospitality and memories which I will never forget. I also feel that I am abandoning the people who still need help.
When I left Australia, it was with reluctance due to the security fears, but I found instead the most kind and gentle people I have ever met in my world travels.
I am reading the book “Three Cups of Tea” by Greg Mortensen and I can hardly put it down – so many memories come flooding back with every page.
Going to disasters and helping other people is what I enjoy doing, but the changes in myself have been the most dramatic. Flying back home is like travelling back to another universe. We all live where we are and are what we are due to an “accident” of birth. Deep down, people are the same – the same wishes for a happy life free from disease, hunger and living comfortably – not necessarily richly, but adequate for ones needs. Unfortunately the needs of most “western people” are far more than they require and they sacrifice the true beauty of what life is about.
Pakistan is indeed a troubled land with many problems in a new democracy. But as I’ve learned, democracy means little to people who struggle to feed and shelter themselves and their families. What use is democracy but an ideal which only works when all other basic needs of life are met?
I was humbled and moved deeply by the people I was helping – they have so little but are richer in many other ways - the hospitality, the cups of tea and food offered when they themselves have very little. I was also taken with the cultural considerations of “guests” – how a guest is honoured and treated.
“Three cups of tea” is so very true of Pakistan – how time is taken for introductions, discussion and consideration – often infuriating for westerners who are so task oriented and who just want to get things done. Cups of tea symbolises respect for each other by taking the time to listen and discuss. It symbolises hospitality and acceptance. We can all learn lessons from this approach.
To the Rotarians who above all overwhelmed us with acceptance, hospitality and kindness. Nothing was too much trouble and it was an honour to have met you all. Your hospitality embodied the spirit of “fellowship” beyond that which I have ever experienced within Rotary. It was with much sadness that we parted and hope that we meet again. I consider you all as my friends in the true sense of the word.
I also feel very saddened that we could not do more to help – the need is overwhelming with hundred’s of thousands (if not millions) of your countrymen, women and children living under makeshift shelter, with little clean water and food rapidly running out. The land silted and unable to grow crops and the hard winter nearly upon you. I am comforted by the 700 families we have helped and the many villages we were able to provide clean water to for the next 10 years.
A special thanks to all the members of the Rotary Club of Rawalpindi and Rawalpindi Central – in particular, to President Muzzammil, Iftikhar, Manzoor, Nosherwan, Taimiur, Jamshaid, President Zahiruddin and DG Shehzad. Your hospitality was exceptional.
Whilst unfortunately Pakistan is not on the top 10 tourist destinations, I would love to come back one day with my wife to meet up with you all again. I would also extend an open invitation to anyone or members of your family who may visit Australia that we would be honoured and delighted to host your stay.
May your lives and that of your loved ones be peaceful and happy with good health
Eb Friedrich DART-Disaster Aid Australia
