Reichsmarschall
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Its funny how often we underestimate ourselves and our country
Ayesha, an American lady who converted to Islam in 2011 and is settled in Pakistan these days, was recently interviewed by the media about her experience in Pakistan, and her efforts to help out a friend and the local community in Larkana.
Who is Pat Isringhausen (Ayesha)? Tell us a little bit about yourself.
My name is Ayesha. I converted to Islam on August 12, 2011. My profession is in healthcare where I worked as the director of a pediatric neurosurgical office. I enjoy adventure and challenge.
What was the primary reason to visit Pakistan?
This is actually my third trip to Pakistan. I came for personal reasons (love brought me here), but I find Pakistan to be a very unique and charming country.
What was your perception about Pakistan before your trip?
Well, like most of us in the Western World, the news and media would lead us to believe that Pakistan is a very dangerous place to visit. But, I for one never listen to what others tell me. I tend to want to experience things firsthand.
What makes Pakistan different from U.S.A?
The differences between Pakistan and the USA are like night and day.
Coming to Pakistan is liking stepping back into time. There are the obvious things like load-shedding, lack of good infrastructure, and then the cultural differences.
For me as a woman living in Pakistan, it’s very different. I am used to moving freely without being noticed. But obviously here, that is quite another matter. I stick out like a sore thumb with my blonde hair and green eyes.
Everyone is curious about me.
What factors made you take a decision of settling down in Pakistan?
As I said earlier, I came to Pakistan for personal reasons but I stay out of my love for the Pakistani people.
I am currently involved in helping a friend to build a clinic/maternity hospital and school in his village, Ali Sain Abad, which is near to Larkana/Khaippur.
I am fond of the people in the remote villages in the Interior Sindh. I walk six to eight miles daily and when I visit the villages. I simply take a walk and when I enter the village, I am immediately taken to different homes and surrounded by swarms of people. They bring me chai, cold drinks, poni, fruit, biscuits, chips, etc. Always trying to tend to my every need.
No matter how poor they are, they give me the best they have to offer a guest. I am showered with love. It is the tradition of the Sindhi people to give their guest a gift. I never leave the village without some gift.
I have been given relli work quilts, woven bread baskets, relli work purses, a tasbih, hair clips, on and on. For me, having their friendship is the biggest and best gift of all.
How many Pakistani cities you have visited so far?
Islamabad twice, Lahore, Hafizabad, Thatta, Shaddapur, Ali Sain Abad, Tando Adam, Tando Jam, Hyderabad, Karachi.
This is just a small list of where I’ve been in Pakistan.
I actually lived in Hyderabad for five months on this trip. On my second trip to Pakistan, I was in Tando Adam for a month helping the teachers in Sayara Khanum Islamic School to learn English.
You are living in Karachi. How do you found the people of Karachi?
The people of Karachi lead a much busier life than those in the Interior Sindh.
I have many friends in Karachi and enjoy living here.
People are just people everywhere. There are good and there are bad. I really haven’t had any bad experiences in my interactions with the people in Karachi.
Ayesha, an American lady who converted to Islam in 2011 and is settled in Pakistan these days, was recently interviewed by the media about her experience in Pakistan, and her efforts to help out a friend and the local community in Larkana.
Who is Pat Isringhausen (Ayesha)? Tell us a little bit about yourself.
My name is Ayesha. I converted to Islam on August 12, 2011. My profession is in healthcare where I worked as the director of a pediatric neurosurgical office. I enjoy adventure and challenge.
What was the primary reason to visit Pakistan?
This is actually my third trip to Pakistan. I came for personal reasons (love brought me here), but I find Pakistan to be a very unique and charming country.
What was your perception about Pakistan before your trip?
Well, like most of us in the Western World, the news and media would lead us to believe that Pakistan is a very dangerous place to visit. But, I for one never listen to what others tell me. I tend to want to experience things firsthand.
What makes Pakistan different from U.S.A?
The differences between Pakistan and the USA are like night and day.
Coming to Pakistan is liking stepping back into time. There are the obvious things like load-shedding, lack of good infrastructure, and then the cultural differences.
For me as a woman living in Pakistan, it’s very different. I am used to moving freely without being noticed. But obviously here, that is quite another matter. I stick out like a sore thumb with my blonde hair and green eyes.
Everyone is curious about me.
What factors made you take a decision of settling down in Pakistan?
As I said earlier, I came to Pakistan for personal reasons but I stay out of my love for the Pakistani people.
I am currently involved in helping a friend to build a clinic/maternity hospital and school in his village, Ali Sain Abad, which is near to Larkana/Khaippur.
I am fond of the people in the remote villages in the Interior Sindh. I walk six to eight miles daily and when I visit the villages. I simply take a walk and when I enter the village, I am immediately taken to different homes and surrounded by swarms of people. They bring me chai, cold drinks, poni, fruit, biscuits, chips, etc. Always trying to tend to my every need.
No matter how poor they are, they give me the best they have to offer a guest. I am showered with love. It is the tradition of the Sindhi people to give their guest a gift. I never leave the village without some gift.
I have been given relli work quilts, woven bread baskets, relli work purses, a tasbih, hair clips, on and on. For me, having their friendship is the biggest and best gift of all.
How many Pakistani cities you have visited so far?
Islamabad twice, Lahore, Hafizabad, Thatta, Shaddapur, Ali Sain Abad, Tando Adam, Tando Jam, Hyderabad, Karachi.
This is just a small list of where I’ve been in Pakistan.
I actually lived in Hyderabad for five months on this trip. On my second trip to Pakistan, I was in Tando Adam for a month helping the teachers in Sayara Khanum Islamic School to learn English.
You are living in Karachi. How do you found the people of Karachi?
The people of Karachi lead a much busier life than those in the Interior Sindh.
I have many friends in Karachi and enjoy living here.
People are just people everywhere. There are good and there are bad. I really haven’t had any bad experiences in my interactions with the people in Karachi.
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