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Hello Dear Friends,

 

I think I speak for the entire team when I say we were excited for what was planned for our second full day in Afghanistan. Today we had the chance to visit (some of us for the first time) the place we have been hearing and praying about since 2007: Barek Aub.

 

After breakfast at the guesthouse, we headed outside the city to see this place that was once a cluster of tents but each year looks more and more like a town. Our first stop was the clinic. We toured the small emergency room, pharmacy, delivery room, and delivery recovery room of the clinic. We also learned about how far the clinic has come – originally designed to care for 400 families, it will soon be available to nearly 15,000 people in the surrounding area.

 

The ladies on our team were also able to visit for a moment with a group of women participating in a literacy program in the clinic’s classroom. It was moving to see how they lit up when they recognized a couple ladies on our team and also heartbreaking to hear some of their stories about the harsh realities of rebuilding one’s life in Barek Aub.

 

Next we went to see the well and water system that supplies year-round water to the village.

 

Lastly we toured the two schools serving Barek Aub, one for boys and one for girls – both of which are running at capacity with two shifts of students each day.  Unfortunately we arrived between classroom sessions and the kids were nowhere to be seen so we didn’t have the opportunity to hang out with any of them – something we had all been looking forward to. Despite that, it was a very meaningful and eye-opening trip.

 

Back at the guesthouse, we spent time recapping our experiences so far and enjoying the camaraderie that has developed among the group. I am personally trying to soak in every moment while we’re here. So far each day has been filled with special moments and I can’t wait for the adventures that await us tomorrow.

 

--Lacey