another wonderful day in a-stan. the sun was shining as we left for barek aub and began to dry out the rain from yesterday. we went to the boys school first today. as yesterday, i was pleasantly surprised to notice growth in the town. they are truly progressing from a group of internally displaced persons to a community, a village.
the boys school has a new wall and gate, providing the students with added security if needed. we divided up into classrooms and shared with them our "seed project." each classroom received one pallet with potting discs and bags of seeds (green beans, peas, and squash) with photo explanations. the eyes and faces of the boys shown with interest and excitement for their new project. (or at least that was the impression i got!)
we distributed the gift bags to the classrooms before heading back to the girls' school to present them with the seed projects. future teams may bring more "seed projects" to the community to help them build a community garden and, eventually, have them boost their home gardens with the hearty vegetables.
up at the well, our host told us the miraculous story behind its success. they had chosen the spot for the well after much planning and assessment; the UN told them it was useless, there was no water to be had in that location. the team prayed over the location and asked God to provide for His people. The NGO dug and indeed found water. the UN personnel told them the water would not last, that the well would run dry. that was 5 years ago and the well is still providing this community with ample, clean water.
i am reminded of 1 peter 2:3 -
on our drive home, i soaked up the views of the landscape out here in kabul province. the land is so beautiful. the sun parted the lingering clouds from yesterday and allowed us to fully take it in. the rugged brown and green plains... the hills giving way to ever-more-jagged mountains... the awe-inspiring, snow covered hindu kush as the backdrop to it all. incredible.
my pictures do not do it justice in the least. i suppose you will have to settle for a photo showing our silly excitement of the day... camel rides! one of our team members spotted camels nearby among the nomadic people (kuchi). our host negotiated a price and up we went! while we waited our turn, we were treated to true kuchi hospitality, sitting on homemade lambswool blankets, and eating (or not) homemade yogurt and naan. now that's authentic!
the boys school has a new wall and gate, providing the students with added security if needed. we divided up into classrooms and shared with them our "seed project." each classroom received one pallet with potting discs and bags of seeds (green beans, peas, and squash) with photo explanations. the eyes and faces of the boys shown with interest and excitement for their new project. (or at least that was the impression i got!)
we distributed the gift bags to the classrooms before heading back to the girls' school to present them with the seed projects. future teams may bring more "seed projects" to the community to help them build a community garden and, eventually, have them boost their home gardens with the hearty vegetables.
up at the well, our host told us the miraculous story behind its success. they had chosen the spot for the well after much planning and assessment; the UN told them it was useless, there was no water to be had in that location. the team prayed over the location and asked God to provide for His people. The NGO dug and indeed found water. the UN personnel told them the water would not last, that the well would run dry. that was 5 years ago and the well is still providing this community with ample, clean water.
i am reminded of 1 peter 2:3 -
"if you have tasted of the Lord, you know how good he is."
can i get an amen?
on our drive home, i soaked up the views of the landscape out here in kabul province. the land is so beautiful. the sun parted the lingering clouds from yesterday and allowed us to fully take it in. the rugged brown and green plains... the hills giving way to ever-more-jagged mountains... the awe-inspiring, snow covered hindu kush as the backdrop to it all. incredible.
my pictures do not do it justice in the least. i suppose you will have to settle for a photo showing our silly excitement of the day... camel rides! one of our team members spotted camels nearby among the nomadic people (kuchi). our host negotiated a price and up we went! while we waited our turn, we were treated to true kuchi hospitality, sitting on homemade lambswool blankets, and eating (or not) homemade yogurt and naan. now that's authentic!
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