Four years ago, when I came to the USA, Christmas meant nothing to me. I had no experience or information about it. All I knew was that I was uncertain, and alone. Fortunately, the Refugee Immigration Ministry connected me to a host family so I was lucky to experience Christmas with them. It was almost the end of November, and I noticed colorful lights around the neighborhood. Day by day, the lights made me feel excited for Christmas and a special joy began flourishing in my heart. Finally, Christmas arrived. I spent Christmas Eve and the day after with my host family. It was very joyful as we spent hours around each other near the chimney opening gifts and drinking hot chocolate. After opening the gifts, we had a big family dinner with amazing food.
Since that day, I realize that Christmas is the month of kindness, love, hope, appreciation, happiness, and understanding. It is the month to feel grounded and give others the love they need. It is the month to spend cold days with the deep warmth of our family and friends. This is the month to remember our poor neighbors and our cold brother or sister. It is the month to remember those orphans and immigrants who have no family and spend days with worries and uncertainty. It is the month to remember that it is never late to be kind. It is the month to give so groups like Educate Girls Now are able to continue helping Afghan families. The more you give, the more we save Afghan girls from Child Marriage.
The truth is it was your kindness that protected me from child marriage. It was your donation that helped me survive in the US. It was your support that allowed me to succeed in my education. It was the kindness of my host families that opened their hearts and houses for me and gave me the chance to experience the love of their family on Christmas. Unfortunately, I am only one in millions. There are very talented, innocent and beautiful children in Afghanistan that need our attention.
Please do not forget us in this precious month. Your kindness will enlighten our hope and empower us to protect our girls in Afghanistan.