We went over and did our final visit with Babrack and Debra from Tangi Kalay. They were our first visit a year ago, and we wanted to have another final visit before going, so we put them on our "list".
It was nice, we went over about 9am, spent about 3 hours just talking about movies, the country and where its going, and the new group of guys coming in. A couple of women I hadn't met before came around 1145, and one of them was a minister of tourism for Afghanistan. She was interesting to talk to, and seeing how she plans to get people to come back and visit, even while its still more or less of a combat zone was also interesting.
We had lunch, Afghan ravioli's(Mantu) and bread, and Bob and I discussed religion with the tourism lady. She has a much different perspective on Islam than you hear in mainstream media, and honestly its nice to know that people in the government here think like that. She also talked of how much the average Afghan appreciates what we are doing here, and that they really do have a sense of hope based on the work we are doing. Makes me feel good to know someone actually cares and that I didn't waste a year of my life here.
Our relief's should be in camp tomorrow, and whenever they arrive, we have to move out of our room and into the B-hut. Not optimal, but it's a step towards going home and I am certainly not going to make a big deal of it. Means to and end.
The last of the list comes this week.
Gary
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
1 comment:
Gary,
Your comments about the minister of tourism are interesting. I'd like to invite to do a presentation at our church some time after you return concerning your experiences in Afghanistan. We've got more than a few college professor types in our congregation that need to hear your comments about how we are respected, appreciated, accepted, etc. You don't need to make this an immediate priority however... it can wait a day or two;-) Keep the faith Sailor! You are are almost home!! Jack
Post a Comment