Chapter 16 - "Red Velvet Box"

Aslam, to become the murmadhar right after he returns from his studies, is a bit surprising. Being the chief of a village is what I can imagine a lot of responsibility loaded onto his back, and this must have some impact on him from the news of his father's death, as well. Aslam is obviously a strong person, and I admire him for that. Despite this, I hope he mourned.

"I've learned the world is a very large place and so far, I've only seen a little of it."

Those words on pg. 208 spoken by Shakeela are very empowering. I feel brave enough to travel onto another spot on the globe, just for the thrill of exploring a twist in my life. However, Mortenson had already shown his sense of venturing into unknown land, especially in three chapters before when he traveled to Waziristan without a native accompanying him. I was angered when he was kidnapped and was forcefully pushed into a freakin' cage. My point is, when we spot a Muslim casually walking around New York City, tending to his own business, do we send a rough troop to capture him, blindfolding him in the process, and put him in our jail cells? No; or someone is slacking, because they make up a considerably large population percentage in America.

"'For these blessings, I thank Almighty Allah,' Aslam says, 'and Greg Mortenson.'"

To be grouped in the same sentence of a blessing with the superior Allah? That is such an honor.

"There was nothing conservative religious leaders could point to as 'anti-Islamic' in an effort to shut schools down."

Well, darn, the Muslim schools in America might have some (or, basically all) teachings non-Christian, or non-American all in all, but heck, do we go off on a rampage shutting them down because they don't suit our taste as true citizens? Islamic views on things should change if they want to have at least five tourists ... a year, without them being held captive.

After reading the last three paragraphs, this man gets his face plastered almost everywhere, now! Good deeds pay off. :)