The year 2014-some sweet and harsh experiences

Its been over a year that I am living in the US, as a result of my decision to leave Pakistan and start all over the life again here. I knew about some of the challenges while living in Pakistan that I would face while leaving the homeland and coming to the land of opportunities. So many of us believe that the US is the dreamland, looking at some of the basic necessities and the facilities, yes, you can say this. But, the ground realities are always different than to imagine something on heresay.

Glancing at the year 2014, I have some accomplishments to state:

Firstly, I have got wonderful friends in the guise of Doc and Letha. They have taken me under their wings ever since I have started to know them deeply for a year now. As  in my previous blogs, I have mentioned that they have not only worked so hard with me to teach me driving, but have also given me their truck which I have been using since September. I have got my driver’s license in the first attempt and it would be fair to say that I did it with the help of God and then with the guidance of Doc and Letha. What they have done and are still doing for me, I don’t think so anyone could have done for me without expecting anything in return. I have seen a true Christian spirit emanating not from their lives but from their work as well. I can’t imagine what I would have done, had God not provided Doc and Letha to me here in California. I am doing my job because of them as its because of their help and generosity that I use their truck and can easily go to my work.

My another friends Al and Sandi, though living far but we are closer than before. The bond I have established with both of them in 2011 is getting stronger everyday. I wish to see them in the new year.

I am truly blessed to have Doc, Letha, Al and Sandi in my life. As, they have played a massive role in empowering and change my life here in the US.

My second achievement is to get a job. After I had gotten my work permit in June 2014, I started relentless efforts to find a job. The people I would call fiends, I would send them my resume and ask them to help me in getting a job. But, no one helped. I don’t blame them, it might not have been in their power or they would be too much over occupied with their own stuff. Thats also reminded me of my strength that how I had never relied on anyone to do anything for me. Coming from Pakistan, where I was minority, having done masters from one of its prestigious universities and then worked in the country’s leading channel it all  gave me the confidence and the trust in my abilities. I got all these things in Pakistan with my handwork and based on merit, and proved my work everywhere I would go. Therefore, I didn’t stop my search for the job and as I was applying everywhere, one day I got the call from Morongo Casino from their marketing department The Winner’s Club.

I never thought that I would ever do a job in casino due to some misconceptions I had in my mind regarding the casino that all bad people come there. Having had no choice, I appeared for the interview and they got me selected me as one of their representatives. I started off as a part-timer but within three months they had offered me the full-time position. This job is not half near to the field of journalism besides mostly its PR field. But, during my five months of working in the casino, I have come to realize that its just the gambling that some people have adopted to either enjoy their lives or they have nothing to do. Otherwise, its not the place of bad people. Who am I to judge them? Thats the choice they have made for their lives, I dont have right to judge their humanity on this one deed. Most importantly, the person who is as religious and spiritual as myself, God puts us sometimes in the unwanted place so that we can make a difference in the lives of others and also to know those better who otherwise, we never wanted to.

I must say that so far my experience of working there is going very good and I really enjoy working with some  colleagues who are really very nice.

This year has also made me pass through life changing and what I can clearly call bad experiences which have affected me deep down personally. I am still trying to recover from some extremely bad ones, but these all remind me of what my parents would tell them:” The men’s wealth is not gauged by how much big house or luxurious cars they own, but how much burden do they have in their hearts to help others.” When my father passed away two years ago, we were living in rented house, infact we spent our whole lives living in rented houses. When it was day of his memorial service, the whole church was full of people, and the service lasted for four hours even then more people wanted to speak. It was cold day but the church was full. I saw the manifestation of his words. We never lived in a big house, but always lived a decent life. But, the people came to attend his memorial service as they know who he was. He himself lived his whole life helping others without making a big house. Thats what earned him respect.

My friends Doc, Letha, Sandi and Al also live not in big houses. But, their hearts and the eagerness to help others show how great they are as persons. They don’t want any recognition and any return for their kindness to me.

I have also made some wonderful new friends this year as a result of my off and on association with the Seventh Day church. VJ and Aneeta started to take me to the church when I would spend most of my time home. It was with their efforts that I started to interact and socialize with the people. Another God-fearing couple. I have come to Know Greeta who just loves me so much. She has a very helping spirit, its also difficult to find a person like her. So many other good friends whose company I enjoy.

Another year has passed to not see my mother and my rest of family back in Pakistan. Thanks to the technology that I see them and talk to them everyday on Skype. In the year to come, I have one prayer request at the top of the list that my mother could come here and visit. Her strength and bravery provide me comfort me every day. My eldest brother Asher who besides going through intense physical challenges is always there to guide me. I pray God opens a day for him too. I miss all my siblings in Pakistan, yet its true that the distance of thousand miles couldn’t lessen the love and the feelings we have for one another.

I still want to get job in the field of journalism and I know God will provide a way. I am thankful to God for all the achievements He has given me in the year 2014. I have left my problems to almighty who I know will take care of me.

We want life to go on our way, but its not possible. There was a time when I was a known name in Pakistan. I thank God for this respect. I got all that with the help of God, my parents’ prayers and with my handwork. I have worked for the country’s leading talk show for seven years. I still remember I was the most trusted team member of the Capital Talk. With all the work load, I am glad I never gave a single chance to Mr. Mir to get angry at me, rather his trust got deeper in me until I left. That time is gone. The Humphrey Fellowship was just like dream coming true. I can’t ask for me. But, that was a different phase of life, which I enjoyed with my whole family.

Now, its a different phase which is full of challenges, but I know I would overcome them one by one. Life is tough anywhere no matter whether you are in the US or Pakistan, however its just the way how you want to be challenged.

Never give up on your dreams.

Good bye 2014, and welcome 2015.