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Bringing you the voices of the WAW community -- from New York, Afghanistan and beyond! Writing by WAW staff, board, volunteers, clients and supporters on our work on the ground and the issues at stake.
This Land Is Our Land, This Heart Is Your Heart
I must be HONEST. I was worried.
How would I be received? Was I able to fit in? Could I possibly have anything to share that is of consequence to the women meeting at WAW.
Then it hit me... Indrani, this is not about YOU. This is about THEM.
Give your open heart, your warm smile and let it come from your toes up to your mouth.
Show how much you LOVE your work.
Let your LOVE shine brighter than anything else can.
Put your EGO on the curb, better yet leave it on the bus!
So, that is what I did.
I took my two trains, my one bus, the Q64, and realized that it was the same route I had taken 37 years ago while attending Queens College.
The names were so familiar, Kissena Blvd, Jewel Ave, Parsons Blvd.
I could almost see the scared young woman I was back then, going to college and trying to get an education and barely having enough money for the bus.
Now here I am in 2012, an older, mature woman, without fear and with so much admiration for my younger self.
And THIS is what I want you readers to know about the women who gather at Women for Afghan Women.
They are BRAVE.
They are STRONG.
They are COMPASSIONATE.
They are like you and me and all other women who love their children and families.
They have dreams and missions and passions.
I was so blessed to have been invited.
The first session was a little soft and slow as we tried to figure out each other.
We were tender and careful and respectful.
We were on our way to creating sisterhood.
I was one of the chosen few who could sit and chat and laugh and share food with these amazing ladies.
They are navigating a new country... just like I did.
They are learning to "speak" American English... just like I did.
They are learning how to be solidly American, yet hold on to the roots from their own country... just like I did... and so many before.
They are living in the LAND of the FREE and the HOME of the BRAVE.
YES, they are free and brave... just like you and me and her and him and them!!!
OH SAY can you SEE... the beauty of their souls and spirits and hearts.
I saw that beauty and I want MORE!!!
There is beautiful truth in simplicity, and what you bring is simple truth, beautifully. Our clients and students tend to be shy and wary of new people, new teachers, new staff. When you (Indrani) came to the office you met them with respect but not apprehension, with poise but not diffidence and with empathy not sympathy. This created a safe place, a place where ears and heart could be opened. And THEN! You turned on the spotlight and sang to them of their strength and power as women and humans. You braided an environment of solidarity out of your life's stories and theirs.