We began our day with a very special extended morning of sharing and conversation with our Afghan National Director. What a privilege to hear first-hand his inspiring story of dedication to the people of Afghanistan and the sacrifices he and his family have made and continue to make in pursuit of his goals and dreams for his country.
Afterward the ladies of the team had the great pleasure of visiting the Kabul Women's Garden. Originally founded in the 1940’s by King Zahir Shah, the garden was closed by radical extremists in 1996 to be used as a garbage dump, but reopened in 2010 after international funding provided for a complete renovation and the addition of more than 5,000 rose bushes and 3,500 trees. The 8-acre retreat is a shining example of progress and transformation for the women of Kabul and now includes a restaurant, mosque, computer lab, and job training center -- all managed by women for women. There is even a women-only gym and fitness center where women pay 500Afs (roughly $10) per month to work out for up to an hour per day.
Team member Abbie shares her experience visiting the Kabul Women’s Garden with a couple of our female hosts and the ladies from our team today…
In addition to the acres of fountains and walkways there are numerous independently owned and staffed clothing shops. We shopped for several hours and I can confidently say we all have enough cultural clothing for the entire week (and then some). In one particular shop, we spent well over an hour with our hosts and the shop's owner -- trying on shirts and chadors, and even after we had made an utter mess of her shop, the owner still offered us tea and promised to cook for us next time we visited. This is such a great example of Afghan hospitality and community. We laughed together with our hosts and did what women do best (talked a lot).
We were all so inspired to see a place of business that is completely owned and operated by strong women. Seeing the gym also gave us an example of women getting the chance to be independent and take a little control of their lives. Something we don't even think twice about represents something totally astonishing in this instance. We had great conversation with the woman who showed us around. She expressed how hard it was for women to succeed in an environment where they are not encouraged and given resources to do so. I personally was inspired and encouraged to see a successful and confident businesswoman because I am studying economics and hope to one day help more women do the same. As our host said, there is a long way to go but they are "going". Our team leader Patty said it perfectly. "Women are strong, we just need a chance".
-- Abbie
While the women were experiencing the renewal of cultural, economic, and social opportunities for Afghan women, we men were preparing and picking up supplies for a big day tomorrow. I’m eager to tell you about them tomorrow night, if all goes as planned. (There are no guarantees in Afghanistan. ;)
Signing off for the night. Thank you for your continued prayers…
Somewhere in Colorado there's a Macy's fitting room attendent
saying a prayer of thanks.
Our hosts and our team resplendent in some of their new duds.
The beauty of the gardens is unmatched in Kabul.
A place for strong women to get stronger.
Long live the sisterhood.
