It's only been a few hours and now I remember what I nearly forgot: Afghanistan is an incredible country. This culture is deep, the people are hospitable and resilient, and the landscape is breathtaking despite the dust and smog. On our first evening in Kabul, we drove to the top of Flag Hill which oversees the entire city. We made it just as the sun was setting and I think we all could feel that God has something amazing in store for us this week.
We spent all day on our first full day in Afghanistan outside of Kabul. We made the long drive out to Barek Aub to spend time with the CHW's (Community Health Workers) and to encourage the staff working in the community. It's so interesting to see the change in the city and outside in places like Barek Aub. I've never felt so much peace in Afghanistan before, the drive was easier than I remember and I felt so much more able to soak it in as this is my third time visiting our friends in Kabul.
After Barek Aub, we drove through parts of Kabul province that were new to me. Despite one of our Afghan friends suffering from some stomach issues, the drive was uneventful. We made the loop past Bagram air base and ended in the mountain community of Istalif. When we were driving in to Istalif, it was nearly impossible to tell whether we were in Afghanistan or Colorado. The Afghan aspens were in their peak autumn color and as we sat along the river eating kabobs and exchanging stories with our friends, it seemed that life just couldn't get any better.
Istalif was destroyed during the reign of the Taliban and we got to hear the story of what life was like during that time for the few people that chose to stay through the conflict. To say that the people of Afghanistan are simply strong would be such a vast understatement, they are so much more than that. They have a deep love for their country and so much pride in their identity as Afghans.
The team is in great health (hopefully I didn't just jinx us), and we are all feeling positive and full from day one. We are eager for more, and eager to dive in to the work we have lined up this week.
We spent all day on our first full day in Afghanistan outside of Kabul. We made the long drive out to Barek Aub to spend time with the CHW's (Community Health Workers) and to encourage the staff working in the community. It's so interesting to see the change in the city and outside in places like Barek Aub. I've never felt so much peace in Afghanistan before, the drive was easier than I remember and I felt so much more able to soak it in as this is my third time visiting our friends in Kabul.
After Barek Aub, we drove through parts of Kabul province that were new to me. Despite one of our Afghan friends suffering from some stomach issues, the drive was uneventful. We made the loop past Bagram air base and ended in the mountain community of Istalif. When we were driving in to Istalif, it was nearly impossible to tell whether we were in Afghanistan or Colorado. The Afghan aspens were in their peak autumn color and as we sat along the river eating kabobs and exchanging stories with our friends, it seemed that life just couldn't get any better.
Istalif was destroyed during the reign of the Taliban and we got to hear the story of what life was like during that time for the few people that chose to stay through the conflict. To say that the people of Afghanistan are simply strong would be such a vast understatement, they are so much more than that. They have a deep love for their country and so much pride in their identity as Afghans.
The team is in great health (hopefully I didn't just jinx us), and we are all feeling positive and full from day one. We are eager for more, and eager to dive in to the work we have lined up this week.