PAKTIKA PROVINCE, Afghanistan – There is more to the reconstruction of Afghanistan than contracts, meetings and construction projects.
For members of Paktika Provincial Reconstruction Team, establishing relationships with the people of Afghanistan and respecting their culture is the foundation for success.
Paktika Gov. Moheebullah Samim invited members of the PRT and other military guests to celebrate Eid during a luncheon at his guest house Nov. 16.
Eid, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, is an Islamic holiday celebrating Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son, Ishmael, as an act of obedience to God. Before Abraham could sacrifice his son, God intervened, providing Abraham with a ram to sacrifice instead.
“Thanks for coming and joining us here today on the second day of our Eid,” Samim said. “I let my staff go for Eid so they could celebrate with their family, so I am thankful you came here to celebrate.”
Samim, who just returned from visiting Orgun, a village in eastern Paktika province, said the mosque was full of people praying and celebrating on the first day of Eid.
While most business meetings conducted by Paktika’s government officials and the PRT take on a more serious tone, this meeting was a lighthearted one where attendees could enjoy each other’s company and discuss topics other than reconstruction.
Laughter and conversation filled the room as everyone waited for the Eid luncheon to begin. Samim talked sports with his guests, explaining traditional games once played in the Paktika, Paktiya and Khowst provinces.
When the meal was ready, the governor led the way into the dining room. He took the seat at the head of the table and invited his guests to follow suit until the table was full.
“Thank you for your hospitality,” said Justin Kolbeck, Paktika PRT U.S. Department of State representative. “Today we are family.”
Conversation continued as the party enjoyed a meal of traditional Afghan dishes. The Eid lunch reminded some guests of Thanksgiving dinner, so they began explaining the Thanksgiving holiday to the governor.
Guests discussed the history of Thanksgiving and how families travel far and wide in America to spend the holiday together.
Samim made the connection between Eid and Thanksgiving when it comes to family.
“Thanks for everyone who showed up today,” Samim said at the end of the meal. “I’m away from my family today, but thanks to you being here I don’t feel like I’m away from my family.”
As guests filed out of the dining room they wished their Afghan friends a happy Eid.
“It was a unique opportunity and an honor to celebrate Eid with Gov. Samim,” said U.S. Navy Cmdr. Donald Cox, Paktika PRT commander from Ft. Worth, Texas. “The fact that he invited a large number of coalition forces to celebrate this significant Muslim holiday demonstrates the level of camaraderie we enjoy.”