Saturday March 28

It’s common for our drivers to play music while hauling us around Kabul or to Barek Aub.  But it’s unusual for him to play something other than Afghan music.  And it’s downright miraculous for him to play a Chris Tomlin song… but that’s exactly what happened this morning on our way to Barek Aub – the unmistakable sound of Chris Tomlin and his band playing “Indescribable!” was pouring out of the radio’s speakers.  A great way to start the day!

When we arrived at Barek Aub Patty, LaNae, Tracee, and Hope headed for the school building and began measuring the girls for the new uniforms that some women in the village would soon begin making.  The first girls to be measured were some of the older students.  At first they were pretty shy and uncomfortable – not too sure they wanted to let these strangers measure them.  But it didn’t take long before Patty and LaNae had them relaxed and giggling and everyone was having a good time.  The school uniform project was on its way!

As the measuring got underway BobT, BobC, and Dan walked to the home of elder Abdul Qahar.  The men were asked to be part of a meeting of all the Barek Aub elders to discuss the ongoing needs of the village and explore ideas for small businesses that could be started in the village.  Throughout the meeting I was moved by the passion of the elders for the people of their tribes and their overriding thankfulness to the people of Flatirons and the partner organizations we work with.  Abdul Baqi, chosen to represent all the elders, thoughtfully presented 12 issues the elders wanted help with, some new, and others that are ongoing.

It was tough to listen to Abdul Baqui and a couple others passionately present their needs knowing many of them were matters truly of life and death, not the type of  “Gee... do I want 'grande' or 'venti' today?” conundrums we deal with every day.

I was glad that people at Flatirons have already been working to address several of the issues the elders presented and I could see they were a bit surprised and comforted when I shared that with them.  As we left the meeting, the men of the team were invited to plant a mulberry tree at the gate to Abdul Qahar’s home.  Each of us took turns shoveling out a hole for a mulberry seedling, covered it with dirt, and watered it.  Then I was asked to write an inscription (using a brand spankin’ new red Sharpie!) above the gate which reads, “Flatirons and Barek Aub family 28/3/09”

It was a very emotional morning for everyone on the team – the intimate interaction with people whose life is on the line day in and day out really gets your attention – and one none of us are likely to ever forget.

After lunch at the guest house we took a quick trip up to Prayer Hill before heading over to visit a small building that our partner organization is planning to use as a new school for street kids to replace one of the Aschiana schools that recently closed.  Our host absolutely glowed as he us took us from room to room laying out his plans for each area and it wasn’t hard to imagine the rooms filled with 100 “shiny” kids rescued from the streets of Kabul and learning transformational life skills.  We sat down in a circle, cross-legged on the floor like a bunch of school kids, and prayed through tears of joy asking God’s blessing on our host, the kids that would soon be there, and the very ground itself.

At dinner we were joined by three friends that Tracee worked with at the International School almost 10 years ago who were also instrumental in the operation of the recently closed Chaila Coffee House that so many Flatirons teams enjoyed visiting.  Just wanted to pass along that although they are heading back to the States soon, they said they hope to open another coffee house when they return to Kabul in about a year.  We all hope so, too!

It was another memorable day at Barek Aub and in Kabul and we hope to head back to the camp tomorrow.  Please pray for safety as we travel, diligence in continuing the uniform project, and for wisdom in dealing with the problems that continue to face the families there.

God bless all of you for your support…

--Bob