A few days ago, someone with a bomb strapped to them walked into a restaurant in Afghanistan. A few other people with guns entered from the back. Once they’d finished their work, 21 people were dead, including someone I knew; someone who was my friend. Her name was Lexie Kamerman, and she and I studied abroad in 2006 in Tanzania. Here’s a picture she took on top of the volcano Ol Doinyo Lengai:
Lexie conquers the Mountain of God. Photo by Lexie Kamerman.
Lexie did not have an easy time going up this mountain. She was sick to her stomach when we started at 2 AM. She spent a good deal of time in the tent. But to my knowledge, she never complained. Instead, she turned her ordeal into humor, and kept a smile on her face the entire time. I gained a lot of respect for Lexie after that trip. It was clear as day that Lexie was one of those people who could smile in the face of adversity, and keep on fighting the good fight. I’m sure that attitude is what brought her to Afghanistan as well, to try and make a better life for women there. I am deeply proud of her for having the courage to do so. I am blessed for having known her.
The day after taking this picture, Lexie climbed this mountain. Photo by Lexie Kamerman.
Victorious, and on the way back to civilization. Picture by Leigh Abrams.
Lexie’s memory challenges us to live by our ideals and to overcome adversity with a smile. We will never forget her.
Sorry you lost your friend.
Thank you.