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Aesha MohammadzaiAfghan refugee
Country:
 Afghanistan |
Content:
- Aisha Mohammedzai: Biography of a Survivor
- A Journey of Survival
- A New Home and a New Face
- A Remarkable Journey
Aisha Mohammedzai: Biography of a Survivor
From Afghanistan to AmericaAisha Mohammedzai first came to the world's attention in August 2010 when an article about her was published in Time magazine. The article revealed the horrific story of how her husband had subjected her to unimaginable abuse, and included graphic photographs. Aisha's life had taken a devastating turn when she was just 12 years old. Her father had promised her as payment for a debt to a Taliban member. Following their marriage, Aisha was forced to live with her husband's family, where she endured constant humiliation, beatings, and was even made to sleep with animals.
A Journey of Survival
For a while, Aisha endured this unimaginable suffering. However, her breaking point eventually came. Unfortunately, fleeing was not an option for Aisha as she was captured and brutally mutilated, likely as a warning to others who dared to defy their captors. Her husband cut off her nose and ears, and then left her in the mountains to die. Miraculously, Aisha managed to make her way to her grandfather's home and eventually to an American hospital. She spent 10 weeks in the hospital, where doctors did everything they could to save her life. After her recovery, she was sent to a secret shelter in Kabul before being transported to the United States.
A New Home and a New Face
In the United States, Aisha found a new family and a new home. She was essentially adopted by Mati and Jamila Arsala from Maryland. America not only gave Aisha a fresh start but also provided her with a chance to regain her physical appearance. Skilled plastic surgeons worked tirelessly to restore her face. Interestingly, in order to achieve her former or comparable beauty, Aisha had to endure a period of even greater disfigurement. Surgeons had to inject a large amount of silicone under the skin of her forehead. This created a grotesque bubble that allowed the stretched skin to later be used to reconstruct her new nose and ears.
A Remarkable Journey
Throughout all her trials, Aisha displayed immense courage and resilience. While she did experience bouts of intense and uncontrollable mood swings, she ultimately persevered with remarkable strength. The worst is now behind her, and she no longer fears looking in the mirror. Aisha sincerely believes that she has endured enough suffering to last a lifetime and that her destiny holds brighter days ahead.
