Afghanistan Postscript: The Women Say Goodbye

Before you read this or any of my blogs for the first time about my time in Afghanistan, and before you write me an angry email about what I've written, please read this disclaimer and please read the blog introduction page, so you have more context about when this was written, why it was written, what 2001 was like and who I am (and was).

The dates on blogs are when they were originally published, and may not be when events actually happened.

So, I made it home to Germany. Just as we pulled into Sinzig, the fireworks for a city celebration started, and Stefan said, "See what I arranged for your homecoming?" It was so nice to hear "friendly" explosions, though I still jumped a little inside each time there was a boom.

Albi was very happy to see me, and very happy to go on a long walk this morning.

After I posted my last blog from Kabul, the Afghan women that I work with came to my office. I had written them a goodbye note and asked Friba to translate it into Dari and read it to them over lunch on Saturday. In the note, I had told them that I believe they are powerful, that they can do anything, and that I believe they and women like them are the hope of Afghanistan. So there they all stood in my office, with a small heart-shaped red box, and they chided me for waiting until I had almost left to tell them I was going. I felt a little bad about that... but I really didn't want a big fuss. I opened the box, and there was a beautiful silver and lapis set of matching earrings, a bracelet, a necklace and a ring. I started to cry. It is an expensive and very thoughtful gift (the lapis of Afghanistan is beautiful). I went around hugging each of the women, who were all also crying. I hugged one young woman, and as I pulled away she said, "Don't go." It just made me cry harder.

I may not be in love with Afghanistan... but I shall always feel an obligation to it, no question. Especially the women.

I'll be posting some final photos by the end of today.

Okay, really, last blog for a long while.