went up to istalef today. this lush mountain town was once a resort destination for wealthy afghans. during the civil war, the taliban took over this strategic, lookout location; they burned many of the buildings...residents fleeing for their lives. through the war, bombs and fire decimated the city. it was unrecognizable. the residents began to return slowly, only to find ruins. the organization we're working with partnered with the residents of istalef as they began to return after the war had ended. it is so encouraging to see now. where there once was a severe outbreak of disease and death, there is a 24-hour clinic with an on-site lab and growing families. the disease (leishmaniasis) has been nearly eradicated, the people are engaging in family planning, learning about nutrition, getting vaccines. there is even a dentist on-site! after seeing the other, starting end of the spectrum at barek aub, it was great to see the self-sufficient end at istalef. hooray for community development!!
the town of istalef was beautiful. it was easy to see why it had been a resort town. we went out to the old hotel, which really showed the devistation of the war. but, as is the trend in this country, there is new growth and green among the rubble.
we leave tomorrow. hard to believe our time here is up. i plan to blog in the morning a little... so until then...khodar hafez.
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