Hospitality

           Humans are naturally social creatures.  This fundamental truth is clearly evident, yet I still think it is worth pointing out.  We live together, work together, pray together, etc.  Given how much time we spend with other people, it isn’t exactly going out on a limb to state that who we surround ourselves with can directly influence our own happiness.  The people we choose to have around us have a large impact on our everyday life.  But what about the people we DON’T choose to have around us?  The random people we encounter every day can have just as much of an impact. 

Comparing strangers in NH to strangers in NJ is like comparing apples and oranges.  They are definitely different, but they are both still fruit.  The American communities I have lived in seem partitioned off from each other.  Placing great value on our independence in every facet of the word, you live your life, and I will live mine.  Most of the time there are no questions asked, contact with people outside of your group are often reduced to formalities and small talk, and unless there is some underlying purpose, real conversations with people we do not know are mere pleasantries.  For better or worse, this is my impression of the American community. 

Here in Kurdistan, community takes on an entirely different form.  From the moment you step foot into this country, northern KRG region, every person you meet goes out of his or her way to ensure that you have the best possible impression of the Kurdish people and the KRG.  The word hospitality does not even seem to do justice to their sense of amicability and kindness.  It feels like every person in the country is paid by the government to not only complete their daily work, but to also serve as diplomats.  We have been invited to numerous dinners by complete strangers; been treated with gifts and dinners; had home cooked meals delivered to our door; been told by 10+ people that if we needed anything to call them; and even been told that we did not have to pay for our purchases at local corner stores.  A spattering of these occurrences could be attributed to a few benevolent people, but this has become a constant occurrence. 

The people here seem to genuinely care about making our time here as enjoyable and comfortable as possible.  I am beginning to feel like I am part of the community, and once the feeling of being a tourist wears off, there is no better welcome to a faraway place.