Bpeace in Afghanistan

Group one left Kabul today . . .Your writer is Kate. Steve and Susan are resting. One of them is snoring loudly in seat 7C. You guess.

Real world
Writing this in the air over the mountains of Afghanistan (To Group 2, departure was an Afghan breeze). Tapping away on a laptop which has aged a year or two from the dust which still clings to its keyboard. Looking down in resignation at my dry cracked hands and am reminded how this brutal place ages the Afghan faces, leaving the crevices and valleys which so fascinate Paula and her camera.

A familiar sight to me now is the winter’s white resting on the endless high peaks which stretch as far as the eye and imagination can take them. On the other side somewhere is home. Our plane is loaded with UN types all headed to their “home” for the holidays. At the moment the word “home” feels like some sort of fantasy that I cooked up. Disneyland. Not the real world we just left.

Can’t believe myself
To my surprise leaving Afghanistan has become harder. Thought is might be easier with the newness gone. Perhaps it is because my husband is now a fellow journeyman and not my homecoming. Perhaps it is because the sun was our companion everyday and not the cold clouds and deep chill of February. Perhaps the princess has gotten use to the hardships (note to Ellen: this is Day 2 of no water). Perhaps it is because we left three behind: women with whom I would travel anywhere in the world: Athena, Marla and Paula. I only can hope they would take me (I know they would take Steve).

Friendship
But I suspect it is mostly because our Afghan friends have dug deeper into my psyche and soul. I hope that we have dug deeper into theirs. With kindness and graciousness they generously extend hospitality with graceful formality, ready humor and sweetness. Friendship. Our parting with Najib at the airport was among a rush of bags and security at the last check in the cold air. Steve and Najib parted as self proclaimed “brothers”. They are so much alike these two men and watching them together (even when they ganged up on me in selecting “their favorite” carpet choice) has been a private (and now a public) joy. Najib is in my heart.

Change is happening
Kabul is changing. We hope that it “catching” to the rest of Afghanistan. More young women on the street unescorted. A new confident step to even the women under burqa. And unbelievably women in burqa attending business training sessions. What a moment that was on Sunday when they all came in. Their illiteracy could not get in the way of their hope that education could create change for them. Their leader was among the most earnest of our students. Indeed the Afghan people remain hopeful and see a future which has possibilities. Our job is to help them imagine what they can be.

With respect and affection
To the Bpeace team still on the ground. We miss you already. If the earth moves again, move with it. Stay safe, play smart and continue the amazing mission which the equally amazing Marla has created and led for us. I did not have to do a thing. What an honor it has been to do this work with all of you. See you back on the other side. Handing it off to you . . .