Date: February 8, 2022
The Shinwari family had senior roles in Afghanistan. The three brothers all had professional positions – one was a doctor, one a data analyst, and one a project manager in Kabul University. Since the airlift, they have been for three days in Qatar, three days in Germany, and then finally here in the United States – staying for short periods in different places. Now they are staying in our guest houses, before moving into House 36 on Zabriskie Drive.
The Dean’s office will be organizing a welcome. They are trying to navigate differences in culture, language, and time zones. They are eager to meet the community. Please do remember that their culture prohibits cross-gender contact (so men can shake hands with men, women can shake hands with women, but men and women do not touch each other). We should respect this.
So, on this day, we welcome Nooristan, Javid, Pamir, Hayat Bibi, Tania, Gul Ghotai, Zarghona, Heela, and Danial. A warm welcome to VTS. May God bless you and may this be a season of growth, opportunity, and renewal.
The Very Rev. Ian S. Markham, Ph.D.
Dean and President