The day we’ve been in denial about ever since this trip was conceived has finally arrived… departure day.

 

The schedule for the day is light with a quick trip up to “Prayer Hill” for a final team photo, running some last minute errands, packing, and the highlight – a luncheon with our partner organization’s office staff and some of the teachers from both schools for street kids… about 40 people in all.

 

Although it happens on “departure day” this is actually something we look forward to all week – a chance to share a meal and talk one-on-one with our Afghan family with no agenda… just talking person-to-person.  Although our cultures are very different and there is somewhat of a language barrier, communication on matters of the heart comes easily and it was very apparent that our hearts were in the same place.

 

Relationships have grown over years of repeated visits by Flatirons teams and some connections are very strong and bonds very tight. They are not just like family to us… they ARE family.

 

After lots of conversation and some trip-closing remarks by our hosts and me as the team leader, it was time to leave.  Rather than say “Good-bye” to our Afghan family, we prefer “Passan meybenem!” or “See you later!”

This will be my last update from Kabul.  I will drop a quick note from Denver to let you know we made it home safely.

 

--Bob

 

 

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