Waheem

               The last time I went to the bazaar I told Waheem* that I would try to find a small game for him; that's what he had asked for.  He is one of the many boys (between the ages of 7-10) that come with the bi-weekly bazaar to try to sell old foreign money and little knick-knacks to every person who walks through the gate.

               I'd seen Waheem throughout the year at the bazaar and hadn't really talked to him until one day when I brought my camera.  He had just finished trying to sell me money when he asked what was inside my camera case.  I pulled it out and let him see how it worked.   I took a picture of him and showed him the image on the camera's display and he smiled.  It was a cool moment because it seemed like I got the chance to see the part of him that is still just a child who delights in little things like children do - most of the time the boys at the bazaar are in salesman-mode, complete with superficial conversation and the employment of guilt (sadly very adult-like things).

               I finally bought some money from him weeks later.  I haggled with him - because that is what you do here - and got him down to a dirt cheap price for the money, then when he handed me the foreign bills I gave him more than we'd agreed on.  He looked at me curiously and I smiled at him.  When I refused to take more stacks of bills from him he reached into his goods and pulled out two scorpion key chains and held them out toward me.  I shook my head and he extended his hand out toward me further and said, "Because you are my friend."  At that, I accepted. 

               Before I left that day Waheem asked if I could find a small game for him to play.  I told him I would look.  Yesterday the bazaar came again and I brought him a bag with some goodies, but I hadn't been able to find a game.  He understood, and I think he enjoyed the stuff I was able to find: a hacky-sack, pens (a really big deal to the kids here), and a really cool hand-held fan that lights up when it spins, among other things. 

               I enjoy that I can walk up to him and we'll shake hands, and he knows he doesn't have to try to sell me things.  If there were anyway possible I would try to keep in touch with him after I leave (in the Army there's no way, and for good reasons).  I had the thought that the resources I have available to me could change his life dramatically, if used wisely.  I've never been one to stay up late contemplating infomercials about feeding kids on the other side of the world; but, this is different.

               When it was time to leave yesterday I shook Waheem's hand again and repeated the words he'd taught me, "Ruze a hube," meaning have a good day in Dari (and surely spelled very differently).  He corrected me a little on my pronunciation, and I repeated it again.

               I really hope that this time I'm able to find a game.

*I changed Waheem's name for his protection.

               

Comments

[Jeanette]

Thank you so much for this insight into Afghanistan. As a young mother and teacher my heart goes out to the children of this war. My friend was recently deployed to Camp Phoenix for his second tour. You are all appreciated and prayed for daily. Kepp writing and God Bless. Good luck.
Jeanette-Oklahoma

[Jeanette]

Pens seem easy to ship. What are some other things the children like? I'm sending care packages and would like to include items for my friend to hand out if he wishes. Thanks!
Jeanette