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In August of final yr, the Afghan journalist Bushra Seddique, now a 23-year-old editorial fellow at The Atlantic, fled Kabul, smuggling her laptop computer previous the Taliban and leaving members of her household behind. I referred to as Bushra, now residing within the Washington D.C., space, to speak about her first Thanksgiving at house within the U.S.
But first, listed here are three new tales from The Atlantic.
“I Feel Blessed”
Isabel Fattal: Where have been you this time final yr?
Bushra Seddique: Last Thanksgiving—my first Thanksgiving—I used to be in a refugee camp in Indiana. One of our Afghan mates had an American good friend, and that American good friend gave him an enormous cooked turkey with stuffing and all the edges. He introduced the turkey to the room we have been residing in. We requested what it was, and he instructed us about this huge American vacation.
There have been possibly 25 individuals in that room. We all sat collectively and ate the turkey and all of the stuffing. It wasn’t baked; I believe it was fried. It was actually good.
Isabel: What do you consider Thanksgiving?
Bushra: Among all of the American holidays, I’ve appreciated Thanksgiving the very best. It doesn’t matter who you might be—you all sit at one desk, praying for what you’re grateful for. We all do that in several religions, however Thanksgiving offers it a reputation and a day to do this. I really feel blessed, sitting round with totally different individuals, praying for what you may have.
Isabel: What are your ideas on gratitude now?
Bushra: I had a very good relationship with gratitude earlier than, however since I got here to the U.S., it’s even stronger. I’ve much more to be glad about than final yr. First: I’m grateful for being alive, since leaving Afghanistan and leaving the struggle. The second factor is being grateful for having a part of my household within the U.S., protected and alive. Working as a journalist once more.
In common, I can say I’m grateful for having the second probability of constructing a life. After leaving my nation, I’ve the possibility to expertise a number of seconds: a brand new job, new house, new profession.
Isabel: Coming to this nation with contemporary eyes, what do you assume our society takes with no consideration?
Bushra: I want I had the chance to point out Americans how life is in different nations. In my nation, most households fall asleep hungry. If you need to begin to be grateful, begin with the meals on the desk.
And then there’s schooling. The U.S. has the highest-ranking universities on the earth. You will be something you need. Women have a number of rights right here. We didn’t have rights and freedoms in Afghanistan. Even simply transportation—Americans have metros, bicycles, scooters, vehicles, trains, vehicles. You can’t discover all this in Afghanistan. Freedom of speech, freedom of faith, freedom of ethnicities—these are the massive issues Americans ought to be glad about.
My sister is a junior in an American college. She’s at all times telling me in regards to the alternatives these American children have of their faculties. If we might convey these alternatives to Afghan children, they might use them very properly. They don’t actually have a chair and desk to sit down in throughout class.
Isabel: How are you desirous about your property and your loved ones in Afghanistan?
Bushra: I don’t know the way I will help the individuals which can be in want. But within the two pre-Thanksgiving celebrations I went to, and in my coming Thanksgiving, I’ll pray for them in an enormous circle of individuals. Sometimes I ask my American mates to wish for them.
Isabel: What recommendation would you give Americans who need to categorical gratitude for all that they’ve?
Bushra: I discover Americans very sort and giving individuals. They are doing no matter they’ll. Ever since I arrived, a number of Americans have been making an attempt to assist me to construct a life right here, which I’m grateful for. Keep doing that. You’re going to be an awesome nation if in case you have the sense of giving and of serving to others. One different factor Americans can do is take note of different nations, particularly at Thanksgiving. Pay consideration to poor nations, Middle Eastern nations, nations which can be in dire want.
Isabel: What are your plans for tomorrow?
Bushra: I’m going to be with my sister and a really particular good friend and mentor, who invited us to Thanksgiving dinner along with his household.
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Dispatches
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Evening Read
Thanksgiving’s Most Underrated Food
By Katherine J. Wu
Since the beginning of 2022, I’ve consumed greater than my physique weight in candy potatoes. The common American eats nearer to the equal of 1 (1) fry a day, however for the previous decade, I’ve had at the very least half a pound of the roots at virtually each dinner. I journey with candy potatoes extra reliably than I journey with my partner. All I would like in an effort to chow down is a microwave and one thing to cushion my fingers in opposition to the warmth.
Tomorrow, Americans will lastly put candy potatoes within the highlight—and nonetheless not admire all that they’re price. Families throughout the nation will smother the roots with sugar and butter beneath a crunchy marshmallow crust. This traditional casserole would be the solely serving of candy potatoes some individuals have all yr—which is a travesty when it comes to each amount and (sorry) preparation model. Sweet potatoes deserve a lot greater than what Thanksgiving serves them. And possibly they’d get it, in the event that they weren’t so misunderstood.
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