Day 5 and 6 were two amazing days! Our team had the privilege and honor of participating in taking 386 precious School kids to the Kabul Bogwash (Zoo). For most of these kids, ages 10 to 15, this was their first visit and it would be a serious understatement to say that they were excited! Each of the two days we took a group in the morning and another in the afternoon busing them to the zoo in 11 vans with an average of 10 kids and 4 adults in each van. Each trip was about 30 minutes each way, after introductions we all kept our van full of excited kids busy clapping, singing and dancing as we wove our way through Kabul traffic. We were all impressed with how well behaved the kids were as we worked our way through the zoo, at each enclosure they would teach us the Dari word for the animals and we would teach them the English translation. We learned Dari for Bear, Wolf, Peacock, Fish, Lion, Rabbit, Camel, Snake, Ostrich, Yak and many more. The rabbits, fish and snakes were the most popular with the kids; what a pleasure to see the wonder on their faces as the critters they had only seen in pictures came to life for them. The Afghans who were at the zoo, the vast majority of whom were men, were obviously surprised to see Americans there and they were definitely curious about us; we were perhaps the most interesting exhibit of the day for them. This zoo is not a lot like those we had visited back home, the enclosures are topped with concertina wire and there is a platform at the back of the zoo where men came to pray. Though each day was long, we were energized by the joy and love our kids showered us with; they were eager to hold our hands and often we had another small hand tucked around each arm as well.
In between each outing, we joined the kids and staff for a feast (lunch) at the school prepared by the loving and skillful hand of the chef. The chef has been cooking for the school for many years; prior to coming to work for our host, he cooked professionally – American kids would be jealous of the delicious meals these kids enjoy!
Speaking of delicious food, we enjoyed an evening out at an Indian buffet on the evening of day 5. This buffet is in a hotel and after our meal we were taken on a tour of two types of rooms and the gym at the hotel and were impressed by the accommodations and views offered.
Tonight as we prepare for the long journey home, we interrupt our packing to make friendship bracelets for our team and hosts, and plan a few more rounds of Jenga to see if we can get Teresa to knock it over more than just the one time!
We cannot express the way this country and its people have touched all of our hearts; Afghanistan, we have fallen in love with you!
Chowder up! Love you, miss you, buh byeeeee!
Barb & Jen
In between each outing, we joined the kids and staff for a feast (lunch) at the school prepared by the loving and skillful hand of the chef. The chef has been cooking for the school for many years; prior to coming to work for our host, he cooked professionally – American kids would be jealous of the delicious meals these kids enjoy!
Speaking of delicious food, we enjoyed an evening out at an Indian buffet on the evening of day 5. This buffet is in a hotel and after our meal we were taken on a tour of two types of rooms and the gym at the hotel and were impressed by the accommodations and views offered.
Tonight as we prepare for the long journey home, we interrupt our packing to make friendship bracelets for our team and hosts, and plan a few more rounds of Jenga to see if we can get Teresa to knock it over more than just the one time!
We cannot express the way this country and its people have touched all of our hearts; Afghanistan, we have fallen in love with you!
Chowder up! Love you, miss you, buh byeeeee!
Barb & Jen