By Daniel Hall
•
10 Oct, 2023
September 9, 2023 - Alright guys, many of you know about the rescue operation for Latifa’s family from Afghanistan. The story is long, frightening, but incredibly inspiring. After getting a Humanitarian Visa into Pakistan they escaped from Afghanistan into Pakistan with 60 days to jump through the hoops (that were raised higher and higher) to get the Visas into the US before the doomsday clock goes off on September 13th. They got EVERYTHING done, almost. Bostan, Latifas husband, was a high level officer in the counterterrorism agency alongside the United States government. There are posters calling for his death and that of his family because of his work against the Taliban. They cleared USCIS, completed and passed the Medical panel. They received the approval for refugee status from the US Department of State. We (including several of you) secured their flights into the United States leaving Pakistan on September 12, the day before the drop dead date. EVERYTHING was done except the last step that should be the easiest. They MUST get their interview and foil to allow them to board the plane into the United States. This requires an appointment on MONDAY to get this past hurdle cleared. We thought that would be the easiest, and it might be but Bostan has not been able to get the appointment. Our Embassy is aware of the critical nature of this. And they may have all this ready to go for Monday BUT, if they don’t Bostan will be escorted out of Pakistan along with his two little boys into the hands of the Taliban. This would happen on September 13 . They cleared USCIS, completed and passed the Medical panel. They received the approval for refugee status from the US Department of State. We (including several of you) secured their flights into the United States leaving Pakistan on September 12, the day before the drop dead date. EVERYTHING was done except the last step that should be the easiest. They MUST get their interview and foil to allow them to board the plane into the United States. This requires an appointment on MONDAY to get this past hurdle cleared. We thought that would be the easiest, and it might be but Bostan has not been able to get the appointment. Our Embassy is aware of the critical nature of this. And they may have all this ready to go for Monday BUT, if they don’t Bostan will be escorted out of Pakistan along with his two little boys into the hands of the Taliban. This would happen on September 13. I am asking for two things. 1) If you personally know a Senator please ask them to make a call. You can PM me and I will provide any info you need. 2) Pray that God will open the doors to allow Bostan and his family get that interview and final foil. God has been in this all along. HE will see it through by using His Faithful servants to make the call and pray fervently. I believe in you. Even more so, I believe in the power of prayer and God’s awesome love for us. September 11, 2023 - UPDATE: WE HAVE MOVEMENT. EVERYTHING IS GOING TO BE FINE!!!! The date has changed a little but they ARE coming and will be protected until they get here. It gives me a chance to put a welcome bag together for the boys. THANK YOU. OUR FRIENDS IN WASHINGTON DC are true friends. And GOD IS GREAT! The following was written by me as the night creeped by with no sleep waiting to hear that the Calvary had arrived. 6:34 pm in Islamabad- Bostan and his family waited by the doors of the Embassy all day. They are still sitting at closed gates. We believed- I believed. We were told that if they got out of Afghanistan, established the critical medical need for humanitarian purposes, were approved through the USCIS, passed the Medical, received their approval for refugee status, arranged for their flights to the United States, the Embassy had their names through Senator Cassidy’s office and they would receive the call to get their passports stamped. The call never came. Two years ago Bostan was given exit papers for his family but the air lift was so horribly botched only his wife and unborn baby escaped. Bostan, his little boys, and Latifa’s sister have been hiding ever since - in caves! Now what? His daughter is a natural born United States citizen. Now what? Their Pakistani Visas expire in less than 48 hours. Their flight leaves in less than 24 hours. Now what? Bostan fought the Taliban- he worked counterterrorism. Now what? He was a policeman- where are the voices of our police for a brother? Where are the voices of our military for a man that was left behind? Where are the voices of the mothers who can imagine the loss of having two little boys hands ripped away in a riot? Where are the voices of sisters who could never leave the little sister they raised? Where are the voices of the leaders who left so many behind? Where are the voices of the people of the United States of America? Bostan and his family will be escorted to the Afghanistan border in 48 hours to certain death. I am not the only one who cares! In 24 hours they should be on the plane that people who do not know them paid for. Where are the voices of my America, the one I still believe in, the one I told a loving Afghan mother still existed? They have done EVERYTHING! The right call could save them. My voice is just not big enough. The military police told them to leave. They told them I lied. Did I lie? I believed everything I told them. I believed everything I was being told. I believed. UPDATE: the CALVARY ARRIVED! September 15, 2023 - Latifa’s family has their appointment with the Embassy. Last step!!!!! Senator Cassidy stepped up big time! They are safe and will be arriving in Baton Rouge on the 20th. Last request (for a while). We need some furniture for their little apartment. The boys need a bunk bed and a single sized bed for Latifa’s sister. I already have a toddler bed for Wania and a bed for Latifa and Bostan. They might need some dressers, a sofa. But all of that can wait if needed. I have the kitchen needs already donated. September 20, 2023 - Great news the Afghan family will be arriving EARLY. God provided a tailwind. They will be here at 2:06!! Y’all I was too busy being in the moment. Lots of people were videoing and taking pictures. I’m sure they will share them with me. I will share with you when I get them. It was a really good day.