Leaving Afghanistan Was the Hardest Decision I’ve Ever Made
My name is Maryam. I’m from Afghanistan.
I have so many good memories from my home in Afghanistan. I remember being very happy in school. All the teachers liked me a lot and I was the top student. I loved studying, reading, and literature.
I also love thinking about Ramadan and the celebrations we had. I would always get excited to eat and to put henna on both of my hands and wear new clothes.
Making the decision to leave Afghanistan was the hardest time in my life.
At that time, my husband was working with American people in Afghanistan. The situation forced us to leave. It was really tough.
We left on the fourth day after the Taliban captured Afghanistan.
Getting out was like a nightmare. We went to the airport. The Taliban was everywhere. It was very bad. There were so many people crowded together. The Taliban hit my daughter. She was only 7 years old. But we were able to get on the plane together as a family. First we went to Qatar, then Germany, and then in a military camp in Indiana. We stayed there for 2 months.
When we came to Kentucky, someone from the IOM (International Organization from Migration) came into the airport, because we had documents that said we were coming from the camps. They mentioned Refuge Bowling Green. Then after one year, I heard about the services they offer, like helping with a driver’s license and a driving course, and also English courses. Then we were introduced to Maggie, and we came and learned about driving and also enrolled in the English class.
So now I can drive. I like driving very much. It was very hard to pass the test, but I passed well. When the police officer announced that I passed the test, I turned to the lady sitting next to me and hugged and kissed her!
Driving gives me the feeling of independence, which is such a good feeling.
I like living in Bowling Green. It is a calm place. I have bought a house here, my own house. My husband and I both worked hard and saved our money to buy the house. I make bread to sell at the Arab supermarkets. It’s honey bread. It’s very good! I am famous among the Afghan people here. They always order from me for all their events.
I have big dreams for my six kids. I want to see them become good people and good professionals. They have a bright future here.
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