I’ll be honest. I’ve been delinquent in writing lately because I’ve sunk myself into a Game of Thrones pit and every ounce of free time (which isn’t a lot) goes into binge watching. Don’t worry though I’m on season 4 so it shouldn’t be that much longer…
In the meantime, I’ve missed the opportunity to tell you about a number of different milestones. Yesterday marked my two-month point in country and three months from the day I had to squeeze my adorable children goodbye. I’m not sure I can say that I celebrated the milestone yesterday. It was notable though because a group of over 2,000 Afghan religious leaders came together in Kabul (called an Ulema) and they declared in what they call a fatwa that the war in Afghanistan was illegal and against the Islamic religion. They chided the Taliban for killing their brothers and were very strict in their ruling of those who would choose to end their life with a suicide bomb. Of course, mere hours after that announcement an enemy of Afghanistan chose to blow himself and at least 14 others up outside of the tent where this gathering was happening. Honestly, I just couldn’t fathom it. All I can do is shake my head. I started a book this week on the history of Afghanistan. I’m hoping it will help me come to better grip with why things are so completely outside of sanity here.
On other news I had the opportunity to meet an incredible women Sunday. Her name is Maraim and she is running for parliament here in Afghanistan. I say that like it is no big deal, but in fact it is a very big deal. She was born in America to Afghan parents and came to Afghanistan six years ago. She has been passionately learning and loving since she arrived. Her family’s long history and reputation has helped her build relationships with her native tribe and she is gaining traction as we move closer to the election scheduled later this year. A few interesting things to note:
1. Afghanistan in an effort to bring gender inclusion set up the elections so that Maraim is only running against other women, not the men. There are seats set aside specifically for the women of Afghanistan. Fascinating right?
2. When I asked her what the most frequent request is from the people she meets with she said there are three things: education is always first, the ability to distribute and sell their products to a larger scale is second, and finally birth control pills.
3. She expressed how important the mothers are to each Afghan tribe. She shared stories of how tribal leaders defer to their mothers and will follow their mother’s influence.
I wish her so much luck in what she is doing. She is here risking her life for a people you can tell she is passionate about. She commented that sometimes she misses the U.S. and she flies back only to get “bored” at the ease of life. As she said, “there isn’t so much to fix there.” And then she is drawn back to Afghanistan.
