War on Terror

Many could argue that the “war on terror” has been dragging on for too long now. We tend to agree. However, I cannot imagine where Afghanistan would be today if it were not for the war. I never realized until living here how much terror the people of Afghanistan have experienced. Among their struggles are small amounts of electricity, no running water and little to no education opportunities or decent healthcare. On top of all that, the country has been reduced to rubble from years of fighting.

When the Taliban was in power they took away the small things the people of this country could still enjoy despite their rough living conditions: dancing, music, even kite flying. Ironically, the September 11th attacks on America are what brought Afghanistan, the land of the Taliban, a chance to be free of terror. America and other supporting countries have paid a high price for the freedom of Afghanistan, but it is not paid in vain. September 11th was the day the rest of the world awoke and experienced the evilness of the Taliban. Despite the controversy over the war I am thankful that Afghanistan has a chance to pursue a future full of possibilities.

Are you dragging your beautiful children into your dangerous dream of "Afghanistan"?

Someone recently asked us though an email if we had given any thought to the idea that we were "dragging our children into our dangerous dream of Afghanistan"? This brings up a good point. As a mother I have thought long and hard about moving my children to Afghanistan. It's true that living overseas and working in an underprivileged area of the world comes with potential risks and I can see why some would say we are "dragging" our children into this. However, we see it differently. Our children are too young to have opposing views so this is the best time to move to Afghanistan. If they were older and opposed to going we would consider not going. I think they will love Afghanistan. And I believe the best thing I can do for my children is show them a life with meaning. That's not to say life cannot have meaning here in America, but living in a world where clean water and electricity are not things you take for granted, it becomes easier to realize what truly has meaning in life. My hope is that my dream of "Afghanistan" becomes my children's dream as well. That being to do things in life that matter...

What is the ideal Afghanistan?

If the Afghan people could look at all their options for healthcare and education, and mixed what was available for the future with the rich tradtions they've known of the past, what would a new and ideal Afghanistan look like? What would the global community want to see? Would they be different or the same?

If Afghanistan wants to change, what do they want to become?

Can Afghanstian be changed?

I believe all that is necessary for change is for people to believe it can be done. People must sacrifice; some more and some less. Nothing of great value comes easily. If you want more you must give more.