The stone workers of Afghanistan are masters of rock and stone wall construction – they can build home foundations from rock that are so structurally sound that they need no mortar! A few weeks ago we asked if we could observe them and get some tips as they constructed a foundation wall. Our hope is to honor their skill and labor by building a fire pit or other structure at FCC some day using the very techniques they taught us back in Afghanistan. Today would be the day we’d get our shot.
We arrived at Barek Aub a little after 9:00 and headed to the site of a home being built for one of the village widows, a woman named Nuria. There was a tremendous amount of granite stone to be moved so we each took turns observing and learning from the stone workers and carrying granite chunks closer to the foundation work so they didn’t have to do anything but fit and place the stones. The stone workers were a bit apprehensive at first, but slowly warmed to the idea and each of us got the opportunity to learn from them. Their technique appears simple, but fine work done by talented and highly skilled craftsmen usually does.
After a couple hours of learning and carrying – and enjoying a nice break for tea – we headed to the clinic to meet with a group of 5 elders who are part of the Shura, the local 18-person governing body that includes, by their own requirement, two women. We were really looking forward to sharing leadership ideas with the elders as we'd done a couple days before with leaders back in Kabul.
We gathered in a meeting room at the clinic and after introductory remarks and greetings, the elders began to describe some ongoing issues they’re having in the village with repairs needed on some of the widows’ homes, repairs to a secondary well, supplies for both schools, additional services and hours at the clinic, and a water diversion project done by a governmental agency that is at risk of causing severe damage to several homes if heavy rains come again. These are all “normal” growing pains for a village like this, but combined with the lack of viable employment opportunities the need for solutions is urgent.
Our purpose for holding the meeting was to exchange leadership principals, but as we heard these elders instead pouring their hearts out on behalf of their families, James 2:15 came promptly to mind: Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it?
We came to talk about leadership, but we decided instead to listen. And our host organization is already working on solutions to mitigate all of the issues the elders shared with us. We left the meeting with somber hearts, but we were buoyed by the warmth of our hosts and the ever-growing bond between FCC teams and the people of Barek Aub.
This evening we were extremely fortunate to take part in a real treat – to join troops at Camp Eggers (the ISAF base in Kabul) for their traditional Sunday worship services. What a fantastic opportunity to meet and worship with troops from all the armed service branches from several different countries, but primarily the good ol’ US of A. To sit in a big quonset hut with a group of men and women in uniform, serving their country half a world away, and singing their hearts out was an experience none of us will every forget.
After the services we headed back to the guest house for a light dinner, conversation about the day, and adjourned early so the guys could get some much deserved rest.
Every day in Afghanistan is incredible... but today was a big day. It marked the fulfillment of many of our hopes for this team on this trip. This team of leaders demonstrated true servant-leadership throughout the week and far exceeded my expectations.
We have one more full day tomorrow with lots planned. Please pray for us as we hit the road again early in the morning and that we would truly touch the lives of the people we meet on our last day here.
--Bob
(Update: Bart recovered quickly and the team is completely intact with no health issues!)
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