Day 2

I have pretty much pocketed my phone so little to no photos. Our resident photographer snapped 800+ shots today so no need for duplication. When the trip concludes, better photos will emerge.

We began the day with group worship on the lawn around 6am reading and discussing Nehemiah from the Bible.  Enjoyed a breakfast of mini fried pancakes, naan and tea. We then took to the streets of Kabul for a quick stop at Chicken Street for chadors (scarves) and some errands before heading off for the Kabul school. This was a real treat spending time with 220 children ages 7-14. The goal of the school is to raise their level to acceptability for public schooling. These children were full of joy and were all smiles, despite most having their one and only meal of the day (rice, beans and naan). One of our team members is an illustrator and won the children over with white board creativity. Laughs and smiles all around. You would not believe the level of respect these children demonstrate d to us and the excitement for school was contagious.

This afternoon we sorted blankets for one of our IDP camps in preparation for a visit later this week. We also got measured for our traditional Afghan outfits, the Shalwar Kameez, which we will wear extensively the rest of the trip.

I am completely off my sleep schedule and by that I mean five hours in the last four days. Apologies for any lack of structure to this post. Maybe tomorrow. Oh by the way...everyone tells me they see those Flatirons stickers everywhere.  Well, the pic below is proof they are, indeed, everywhere, including Afghanistan!

Day 1

We got here safely. What a stunning diversity of scenery. The Afghans are the most hospitable people I have ever encountered. I am humbled. Our hosts met us right outside passport control and basically made our transition a breeze. Travel through the city weighed heavy on my heart (I intentionally kept my camera in my pocket so that I could see it with my own lens). I experienced excitement, nervousness, joy, and pain. Our team lead and I rode in a separate vehicle from the rest of the team and it was great to hear all his delighted commentary on so many changes for the better even since just last summer. There are a lot of positive developments in this city as of late. Examples include sidewalks, cover grates for sewer drains, street lights, newly planted trees. Bear in mind, the degree to which these improvements are in place is limited; however, it's very promising.

I sat in quiet amazement at the stories from our Afghan hosts, who survived incredible challenges in recent years, often not knowing what the next day might bring. They are filled with joy about their country and are grateful for the support of so many teams. It's an honor to serve with them.

Relief vs Development

I struggle to put together the right words when asked "what will you be doing in Afghanistan?" by so many people. It's not a quick and easy answer like rebuilding a school or water well. While those things are happening in the community we'll be serving, it goes much deeper. Our team is focused on development. It's a process of ongoing change that extends to the physical, emotional and spiritual health of both the helped and the helpers. It empowers people to establish a long-term healthy life in all three aspects.

It would be foolish for my team to think we'll walk in and change the environment of the community in one trip. It takes time and tangible evidence may not surface for years. And it's more of a holistic approach and it takes place in iterations.

Our team is simply one piece of a much larger puzzle currently being built. And we don't yet even know what piece that is but are certain it's an important one.

Pic of the Week

Coldest winter in Kabul in 15 years matched with significant snowfall.

February Team

Update on the current team...http://www.flatironschurch.com/international/

Humbled

One word...wow. I am at 75% funded for the trip. The support is incredible. One of my contributors was exactly right this week when he said "I feel like I am going with you to Afghanistan now." Yep. He is. And so is everyone supporting it financially, prayerfully and practically. You are all going with me to Afghanistan.

28 days from now I step on a plane for a 9,000 mile journey. Can't wait!

Picture of the Week

Kabul, Afghanistan

Source: The Guardian News, U.K.