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American Morning

Freed American Aid Workers Recount Part of Their Experience

Aired November 16, 2001 - 09:11   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
PAULA ZAHN, CNN ANCHOR: After living for more than three months under a potential death sentence, eight western aid workers are understandably thrilled to be out of Afghanistan. The two American women in the group today told reporters how they felt about their captivity and their rescue.

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DAYNA CURRY, SHELTER NOW INTERNATIONAL: I just know that it was through the prayers of the people that we were able to come out completely unharmed, even healthy, and doing well. And we know it's through the people's prayers that -- that we were given strength and able to make it through the whole thing.

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HEATHER MERCER, SHELTER NOW INTERNATIONAL: The last three and a half months have probably been the greatest terror of my life, but they have also -- it is also been the greatest privilege of my life. And there are -- I would never trade it for the world, because I know, coming out, not only am I changed but a nation's changed. And I would have to say that the most difficult moments were the endless hours of waiting where we didn't have any information. There were several times it went on about three weeks where we didn't have any contact with the outside world and during the three weeks, was also the time of the heaviest bombing.

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ZAHN: Both women are expected to leave Pakistan on Sunday and spend some time in Europe before returning to the United States.

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