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My friend and brother:
I just read your email, and was astonished at the history of your people and country. You've helped me to better understand Iran and it's people. You have a rich heritage indeed. I will never look at your people and country the same was as I did before. I've learned a lot from our friendship and from you my friend. You are correct when you say that westerners often mistake all The people in the region as Arabs. It's ignorance on our part for not knowing about your history and culture. This is one of the reasons why people should talk more and listen and learn from another's point of view. Hearing all this makes me want to visit your country even more. I told you before how much I love history and learning about different cultures. I have a great appreciation for all people. My faith demands that we love our neighbors as we love our own selves. Unfortunately, some Christians don't always obey that commandment. We are taught that everyone is our brother. I like that, don't you? Isn't that the way it should be? Can you imagine if everyone in the world loved their neighbors like that? The world would be a much better and peaceful place. Your words got my heart on fire! Sorry if I sound like I'm preaching to you. I'm passionate about those things. Anyway, what have you been up to lately? How's school treating you? I hope you and your family are all well. I was off from work this past weekend. I really didn't do too much because of the snow and cold weather. The snow and I don't get a long.
 I would like to give you my address so I can write and send you postcards and things. I will leave that up to you. I respect your privacy. Next month is the Easter holiday. Do you know what it is? We Christians celebrate Easter because it represents the death and life of Jesus Christ. The movie the "Passion" best represents this. It's a day we reflect on his life and death and sacrifice. My father died on Easter when I was a young boy, so it holds even more of a meaning to me. May I tell you about my religious upbringing and family? It is said that one should never talk about religion or politics with others. But I think that with friends it is different. It is because you're my friend that I wish to share it with you. My mother came from a Jewish home, and my father came from a Christian home. When they fell in love and were married, her family forbade it, and subsequently disowned her. They had no contact with us whatsoever until I met them for the first time as an adult. My father was a Christian and sent us to church every Sunday, and raised us in the Christian faith. In those days it was not common or accepted for Jews to marry out of their faith. Often when they did, their family cut them out of the family. I guess that's why I'm so open to other people's opinion's and faith, even if it differs from my own. I can't imagine loving your child less if he or she chose a partner out of their religion to marry. How do you feel about that? I'm a Christian, but I celebrate some of the Jewish holidays. My sister's and brothers do not, however. Did I tell you how big my family is? I have five sisters, and two other brothers. I also have many nieces and nephews too. I love children a lot. I would like to be a father someday. (If I'm not too old) Right now I'm helping to support a family in Romania. It's part of a Christian organization. They help children of all faiths equally. It makes me feel good in my heart to know that I'm contributing to the betterment of someone I don't even know. This is what my faith teaches. What are your plans for the weekend? Did you say that Iranian weekend is only on Friday? Does that mean that you only get one day off each week? I don't know if I would like that or not. Well, I'm probably talking your ear off already! I will say good-bye for now. May God bless you and your family and keep you well. Your friend,
David(NY city) |