The organization we work with in Afghanistan is made up entirely of Afghans.  We serve here at their invitation and our goal is to support them and help them achieve the goals they have set for themselves, their organization, and their country.

This morning our 9-man team, chosen for their leadership experience, met with our host organization’s senior staff to discuss and share ideas surrounding strategies and principals of leadership.  For many of us it was our first experience participating in a cross-cultural exchange of ideas and the dynamics were fascinating.

Members of both teams took turns sharing their ideas on principals of honesty, truth, honor, reputations, transparency, delegation, problem solving, complaint resolution, consistency, confidence, goal setting, micro-management, motivation, and communication.  Dan was able to use poignant examples of servant-leadership exemplified by Nehemiah as he led the rebuilding of Jerusalem recorded in the Old Testament.

Most of these concepts were not foreign to any of us, but hearing examples of them being put into practice by another respected leader half a world away offers a unique degree of endorsement and reinforcement.  Our hosts are even looking at ways to format some of these ideas and techniques into their ongoing training.

From the response each team got it was obvious that our translators did an outstanding job of conveying not only literal translations, but subtle concepts as well. Both teams left the meeting energized, encouraged, and eager to put some of these new concepts to work.

After a break for lunch and a birthday celebration for the new executive director of our host organization (yeay!), we took a short drive to a scenic overlook near where we stay.   “Prayer Hill” is a cemetery built on the slopes of one of the tallest hills in Kabul and locals go there to reflect on life in Kabul and be near their departed loved ones.  The hill is also a favorite spot for locals to stroll and chat, and for us the summit offered spectacular 360-degree views of Kabul that allow newcomers to get oriented pretty quickly on the city’s layout.

After shooting a few photos and gawking over the scenic beauty of Kabul and the surrounding snow-capped 20,000-foot peaks of the Hindu Kush Mountains, we headed back to the guest house for a light dinner and reflection on our first few days in Afghanistan.

Tomorrow, Friday, is the Muslim holy day (similar to our Sunday in the US) and we plan to use it as a day of worship, rest, and reflection.  Please pray for wisdom, guidance, and effectiveness for our next few days in Afghanistan.

--Bob