My Heart Hurts

Last summer a "pastor" in Florida wanted to burn the quran. It made us a little nervous. Didn't he realize that he was putting people in danger. Did he care? He set the date for Sept. 11, 2001. A television pastor even made it worse by stating on the air that it could get some of our "M's" hurt. They know better than to use that word!

They put us on lock down as the time drew nearer. We went over our evac plans and bags. I made sure that I had the important stuff in a safe place. I made plans for our dog to be taken care of. We were as prepared as we could be. They were days when we could hear the hate messages over the mosque loudspeakers. There were people in the streets yelling "Kill the Americans". Afghan students came to school afraid to be by us. I can remember talking about what could and possibly would happen. It was during that time that God was preparing my heart to leave. I was not afraid of what could happen but I was grieving for what would come. And today it did.

I flew out of Kabul on Sept. 11. I can remember wondering if that was such a good plan. I was wondering if a plane coming to America would shake things up. I thanked God that I had a flight out of Germany and not Central Asia. I wondered about leaving Perry, my students and fellow workers there while I got out. Would I see them again, I could only leave in in His hands. My grief in leaving was too overwhelming and it was one less thing to think about on the flights.

Last week, I saw on the news that the "pastor" indeed had burn the quran. I talked with a few others and we agreed that it would not be as safe over there now. We talked about God and how we had to leave it up to Him now. I prayed for those I left behind. I prayed for those students who will be afraid that the school staff will leave. And the friends that love that country as much as I do. Those who won't run in fear but will continue to serve. I hold them up to Him.

Pray for this country as you have never prayed before. Pray that they can separate this burning from the people who love them and live among them. Pray for the families of those who were killed today. Just pray...

The Blue Mosque in Mazar