Hope and Forgiveness

Yesterday I was told that there are no words in the Pashto and Dari languages (the most common ones in Afghanistan) for Hope and Forgiveness.  That would explain a lot.

Sometimes I sit around and fantasize what this country could look like in 30 years.  There are lush farmlands and forests, I have read.  I can see beautiful mountains every day that could hold ski slopes and resorts.  I'm quite sure that people would pay to hike up these mountains, just like they do in Nepal.  \

But that stuff will never happen because they have no concept of making life better for themselves.  They cannot move on from the blood feuds that have gone on between tribes and families for hundreds or thousands of years.  They cannot accept someone in control unless that person takes it by force.  They respect strength and strong words, but they are easily insulted.  They do not forgive.  How can they expect to find peace without forgiveness at some point?  How can they build a better life and a better country if they do not have a word for hope?  The word they do have is Inshallah.  It means God Willing.  It means they go about their lives and if God wants them to live or die, that's what will happen.  I suppose when you live in such a harsh place, it's inevitable that you might look towards a higher power for the answers.  But to not have hope?  I cannot even fathom that.

Recently we had an issue with a department in the hospital composed of Afghan workers who speak English. Some are American citizens who have come back to be of help to their country.  They do not have a leader appointed, and will not accept leadership from among themselves.  The more educated ones refuse to take direction from a less educated one, the men don't want to listen to a woman, and there is general chaos.  When someone did try to take charge to make it a more effective group, the others just erased the assignments off the board and went wherever they wanted.  We suggested rotating leaders on a monthly basis- that was roundly rejected.

The patients steal from each other and will steal from the staff if able.  They hoard things....especially food, but  pretty much anything they can get their hands on.  Most are grateful for the care they receive from us, but some just don't seem to care.  We have seen the Inshallah attitude many times when it comes to getting well.  It is difficult for our staff when they believe in doing everything possible and hoping for a good outcome.  It's how we think and it's what keeps us moving forward.

I also think it's one of the things that makes us a great country.  We have hope that life will be better for our kids and for ourselves.  We know it's possible to be anything we want and we work hard to get it.  Those of a Judeo-Christian faith have been taught forgiveness.  It's how we move on.  I'm not sure this country can move on.