One former student writes back

There are so many around me who are always whining and bad-mouthing their jobs. Then there are those who do bare minimum to stay on the surface. I think of the hundreds and thousands who would give the shirts off their backs to find any job.
Thank God for my job! It is a blessing! It is an honor!
Even though many of my friends believe I deserve better, I think this job has enabled me to achieve so much and to learn so much. Of all things, I have made friends who are invaluable and I have taught some who I am truly proud of. One of them wrote back yesterday and her grateful comments made my day. I immediately wrote to Mrs. Haleem, my English teacher back in Frontier College for Women, Peshawar, who now lives in Texas. Over the years, we have stayed in touch, talking to each other at least once a month, sharing our concerns, our joys and our heartaches.
The trickle effect continues----her affection for me, and mine for my students!
One doesn't get poorer for helping where help is needed.

Memories of the Summers Past

What a lovely day!
It was supposed to be 82 degrees today, but the sky remained overcast with cool, nice breeze, and sort of moody showers that gave way to a clear, blue sky. I think of the hot, sizzling days in Peshawar, and the load-shedding that goes on forever. Ironically, I can't truly enjoy the gift of the weather we have in NYC.
Our vacation plans have not been finalized. Everything seems to be booked for months in advance, and we were thinking we will get lucky, and will re-live our trip to Chitral back in 1992. Some other time, maybe!