MEPO
Medical, Educational and Peace Organization
Shahin Shah
Shahin Shah has been at the House of Flowers nearly since its inception, arriving at the House in December of 2003 with his brother Zaher Shah. Their father had been killed the year before. Shahin Shah was barely 4 years old when we met him; he had a serious yet beautiful and cherubic face. He rarely spoke and rarely played with others, preferring to play with toy cars while standing alone by the window. We often worried about Shahin Shah, as he seemed withdrawn and isolated. He had a very strong, yet quiet and reserved, character.
Once Shahin decided to slowly join the others and began to sit for lessons, it became evident that he was a very sharp little boy who learned extremely quickly – but was very quiet. Despite his quietness, his serious eyes and very sweet smile attracted the attention of every visitor to the house, and somehow he had a strong charisma for a very small boy who rarely spoke.
He slowly began to grow, and around age 5 he went through a phase of suddenly talking at great length, telling long, detailed and articulate stories. He became more cheerful and could be seen running from room to room, playing with stuffed animals. But what Shahin is famous for in the House is his deep love for nature. In particular, Shahin loves butterflies, ants and flowers. He kisses the pictures of butterflies in books, gently picks up ants and holds them in his hand, and treasures small flowers that he finds on the ground, sitting quietly and holding them tenderly.
Shahin goes to school with the others at the House and excels at all intellectual activities. He is very skilled at drawing and coloring; his skills and personality remind one of a potential artist or architect.
He is still reserved and quiet,observant and insightful. It is not hard to imagine Shahin as an adult; he will be one of those calm and thoughtful individuals whom people gravitate to for reasons they don’t quite even know themselves.
Shahin Shah in 2011