We don't like to say "Good-bye!" when we leave Kabul... so we say "Passan maybenem!" which means "See you later!"

 

Departure day is always difficult for the team and the Kabul staff.  We live a half world away, but the bonds we've formed over the last 4 years are very strong.  They are not like family to us... they ARE family.

 

We spent the morning taking advantage of some free time to journal, chat, and get prepared for the long journey home.

 

After lunch we had one final team debriefing to continue to sort out our thoughts and feelings about the high points and low points of the week.  This team experienced some very poignant aspects of life in Afghanistan and it has affected each of us deeply.  Many memories are very pleasant and some not so much... but all are prescious and we wouldn't trade them for anything.

 

Eventually it was time to head to the airport.  "Passan maybenem!  See you later my friends!"

 

..................

 

At this moment we're sitting in the Dubai airport getting ready to board our flight to Frankfurt.  The team wanted me to tell you that we're sad to have left Afghanistan, but very eager to rejoin our loved ones once again in the US.  Thank you again for your prayers and thoughts of support for us this past 10 days.  We'll see you soon!

 

--Bob