Although each team member goes through significant training and is well briefed on what to expect when we hit the ground, your first sight of Afghanistan always gives pause.  Much of the country was obscured by clouds during our flight so it wasn’t until we were on final approach into the Kabul airport and dropped below the cloud ceiling that our team got its first glimpse of this country of stark contrasts… majestic 20,000-foot snow covered mountain ranges towering above barren, brown plains with occasional threads of green where life sustaining water flows from the hills.  There was a bit more green than usual this time due to heavier than average winter snowfall and recent spring showers.  But it’s still a landscape that hits you like no other… and that first view is one no one ever forgets.


Kyle and Dan get their first glimpse of life in Afghanistan.

After filling out the requisite entry forms and snagging our bags, we were warmly greeted by several of our hosts, a sight I never get tired of.  Then it was off to the guest house for a reunion of sorts – another all-female team from FCC is finishing up their work in Kabul and they will be staying one more night in the same guest house before departing tomorrow.  It’s funny… we see many of them every week at FCC yet seeing them halfway around the world in this foreign land is a true joy that soothes our travel weary souls!  Our two teams were able to spend some time together briefly sharing some stories about their adventures the previous week and our hopes for our time there, then we all shared a traditional Afghan dinner together.


Two teams with a rare opportunity to break bread together in Afghanistan!

After dinner the women split to hold a final departure briefing (at least I think that’s what we heard them doing ;)  while we got a rare opportunity to spend time with our host organization’s Afghan national director and new executive director.  These two men, one Afghan and one American, have a 20-year history that is woven together with one common thread – they both love and are passionate about Afghanistan and her people and are dedicated to bringing hope and restoration to this troubled land.

After a wonderful time and long day, it was time to hit the sack and gather our strength for our first full day on the ground in Afghanistan.

You’ll get tired of me saying this, but I’m going to say it again anyway… thank you and bless you for your prayers and support.  Many wonderful and positive things are being accomplished here and you are here with us in our hearts and minds every step of the way.

--Bob

PS.  I also want to thank the many of you that have sent personal notes of encouragement.  I hope you’ll understand if I don’t get a chance to reply to all of you... but don’t stop – please keep those cards and letters coming!