For those of you following the story of Baset, the young Afghan trumpet player that my husband has been mentoring, it has been a whirlwind of activity for him recently. Baset graduated from Interlochen Academy of the Arts in May, an accomplishment that was a mere dream two years ago as a student in Kabul. He received a full scholarship to the University of Kansas, but needed to raise the money for four years’ worth of living expenses and incidentals. Since his new GoFundMe campaign began, over one thousand people have donated. The outpouring of generosity has been overwhelming and heartening, especially during this time when it is very easy (for me, at least) to get caught up in fear and despair, looking at what is wrong with humanity and worrying about the seemingly unsolvable problems of our world. I am so thankful for Baset – thankful that he had the courage to dream and reach for something that many people might have thought impossible. I am so thankful for the thousands of people who have donated amounts, large and small, so that a young musician from a ravaged country can be given a chance to thrive. The efforts of so many people have come together to create a miracle.
One especially poignant message accompanied a donation for Baset (note: Jayhawk is the University of Kansas mascot):
While serving in Afghanistan with USAID, a RPG ripped through my armored SUV and did not explode. My Afghan friend simply said, “It is written, it was not your time to die.” Baset, your story is written, it is your time to go to school. Thanks – you and your trumpet gave a fellow Jayhawk a needed lesson in gratitude.
The best thing of all is that Baset’s story is still so near the beginning. I can’t wait to see what the future holds.
In case you have missed them, here are the most recent stories:
Keep believing, friends.
