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In August of final 12 months, 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 known as Bushra, now residing within the Washington D.C., space, to speak about her first Thanksgiving at house within the U.S.
However first, listed here are three new tales from The Atlantic.
“I Really feel Blessed”
Isabel Fattal: The place have been you this time final 12 months?
Bushra Seddique: Final Thanksgiving—my first Thanksgiving—I used to be in a refugee camp in Indiana. One in every of our Afghan pals had an American pal, and that American pal gave him an enormous cooked turkey with stuffing and all the perimeters. He introduced the turkey to the room we have been residing in. We requested what it was, and he informed us about this huge American vacation.
There have been perhaps 25 individuals in that room. All of us sat collectively and ate the turkey and all of the stuffing. It wasn’t baked; I feel it was fried. It was actually good.
Isabel: What do you consider Thanksgiving?
Bushra: Amongst all of the American holidays, I’ve appreciated Thanksgiving the most effective. It doesn’t matter who you’re—you all sit at one desk, praying for what you’re grateful for. All of us do that in several religions, however Thanksgiving offers it a reputation and a day to do this. I really feel blessed, sitting round with completely different individuals, praying for what you might have.
Isabel: What are your ideas on gratitude now?
Bushra: I had an excellent relationship with gratitude earlier than, however since I got here to the U.S., it’s even stronger. I’ve much more to be pleased about than final 12 months. First: I’m grateful for being alive, since leaving Afghanistan and leaving the battle. The second factor is being grateful for having a part of my household within the U.S., secure and alive. Working as a journalist once more.
Generally, I can say I’m grateful for having the second probability of constructing a life. After leaving my nation, I’ve the prospect to expertise quite a lot of seconds: a brand new job, new house, new profession.
Isabel: Coming to this nation with contemporary eyes, what do you suppose our society takes as a right?
Bushra: I want I had the chance to point out Individuals how life is in different nations. In my nation, most households fall asleep hungry. If you wish to begin to be grateful, begin with the meals on the desk.
After which there’s schooling. The U.S. has the highest-ranking universities on the earth. You may be something you need. Ladies have quite a lot of rights right here. We didn’t have rights and freedoms in Afghanistan. Even simply transportation—Individuals have metros, bicycles, scooters, vehicles, trains, vehicles. You’ll be able to’t discover all this in Afghanistan. Freedom of speech, freedom of faith, freedom of ethnicities—these are the massive issues Individuals ought to be pleased about.
My sister is a junior in an American faculty. She’s all the time telling me in regards to the alternatives these American children have of their colleges. If we may convey these alternatives to Afghan children, they might use them very nicely. They don’t also have a chair and desk to sit down in throughout class.
Isabel: How are you eager about your property and your loved ones in Afghanistan?
Bushra: I don’t know the way I will help the individuals which might be in want. However 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. Typically I ask my American pals to hope for them.
Isabel: What recommendation would you give Individuals who wish to specific gratitude for all that they’ve?
Bushra: I discover Individuals very type and giving individuals. They’re doing no matter they will. Ever since I arrived, quite a lot of Individuals have been making an attempt to assist me to construct a life right here, which I’m grateful for. Hold doing that. You’re going to be an incredible nation in case you have the sense of giving and of serving to others. One different factor Individuals can do is take note of different nations, particularly at Thanksgiving. Take note of poor nations, Center Jap nations, nations which might be in dire want.
Isabel: What are your plans for tomorrow?
Bushra: I’m going to be with my sister and a really particular pal and mentor, who invited us to Thanksgiving dinner together with his household.
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Night Learn
Thanksgiving’s Most Underrated Meals
By Katherine J. Wu
For the reason that begin 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 least half a pound of the roots at nearly each dinner. I journey with candy potatoes extra reliably than I journey with my partner. All I would like with a purpose to chow down is a microwave and one thing to cushion my fingers towards the warmth.
Tomorrow, Individuals will lastly put candy potatoes within the highlight—and nonetheless not recognize all that they’re price. Households throughout the nation will smother the roots with sugar and butter beneath a crunchy marshmallow crust. This basic casserole could be the solely serving of candy potatoes some individuals have all 12 months—which is a travesty by way of each amount and (sorry) preparation fashion. Candy potatoes deserve a lot greater than what Thanksgiving serves them. And perhaps they’d get it, in the event that they weren’t so misunderstood.
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