40 Days

And just like that, I'm forty days away from packing my bag for Afghanistan. And yes, I meant one bag. Traveling light. I spoke with a team member this morning bound for the same location in seven days on another team from Flatirons. Her joy at returning for another trip was evident and told me I am joining a small group of people who have experienced a truly life changing trip. When she asked if I was excited, I told her I'd jump on her team's plane in a heartbeat if I could.

I was reading this morning about when helping hurts. We westerners tend to think of poverty differently than those in the midst of it. Our motives need to be driven by enabling true change and empowerment in the people we serve well beyond any thought of what we gain from it. In fact, if I am driven by what I gain from this trip, I should just keep my butt at home. No room for that - supporting the Afghans in their desire to rebuild and redefine their country is what matters.

I have purposefully avoided much talk of the financial piece of this trip to date. Not much for asking for money and, quite frankly, it makes me down right uncomfortable. But I've learned over the years if it isn't communicated, people often do not have the opportunity to be informed and be involved. I would like to put this out there for consideration, for those interested in contributing financially. And this will likely be the last time until I give a final report on the fund raising efforts. I am calling on my network to consider a $30 contribution. I am looking for fifty individuals to give this amount. I would like to hit this number by February 14, Valentine's Day. And since I've been asked a few times just in the past week, I am currently at 21% of needed contributions.

Contributions can be directed to:
FCC
355 W South Boulder Road
Lafayette, CO 80026
Memo: Afghanistan - Peter Tighe


I also want to say thank you to everyone who has been encouraging and interested in this trip. I've been blessed to talk over details with dozens of people who share a vision for seeing those in poverty brought hope and resources to change their lives.

Team Project

Team project last weekend. It was great to spend several hours getting to know the team better through working together, breaking bread and spending time afterwards discussing our upcoming trip and all the challenges that comes with it. I feel good about the dynamic of the team, the various skill sets and personalities. It is clear we all can and should learn from one another. My hope is that we are used in a powerful way to impact the lives of the Afghans in Kabul.

Picture of the Week

Have you thought about your water source today? A simple pull on the lever and we have clean, cold or hot water. Not necessarily that easy in Afghanistan. Strategic water supply and treatment can solve many problems.

Bamyan Province, Afghanistan

Pic of the Week

Football - Kabul, Afghanistan


source: www.guardian.co.uk

Gut Check

Vulnerability alert. I must admit over the holidays I had a few moments of doubt and discouragement over the trip. I began to doubt my resolve, doubt my personal ability to endure the unknown and doubt my personal safety. These moments have been brief, but I would be lying if I didn't admit they existed. I read a great reminder this week from an ancient text "let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything". There really is no doubt at my core regarding my assignment to this team. My doubts come in momentary weakness, and I have been truly encouraged by God's faithfulness and a peace that transcends.

As I typed an email update tonight, it hit me that just 67 days remain before our team steps on a plane and takes a 35 hour ride to the other side of the planet. We have a team project in January, serving the community of Lafayette. We will complete a culture training class in February. Then it's time for last minute preparation for travel. Much more to come in the meantime, including photos, stories and insight to our trip.