Out of Afghanistan

I try to reflect on what on earth I am doing, and why: one of the comments I often make on reviews of programming is: what were the lessons learned and how will they impact future work? Perhaps, for a Christian, there is no better time to do this kind of reflection than this week, and no better position in which to breathe deeply than in the shadow of the cross, and the hope of the empty tomb.

So, after three weeks in Afghanistan what reflections do I have? (There are many but just a couple)

• People are resilient and hopeful: I met some people who have 'had it rough' for 20 years, living in a temporary camp in the desert, on the outside of town. They are stigmatised and held in suspicion because of their cultural heritage, not for any factual reason. They are held in a state of flux because they don't fit within the political agenda, they are not a priority. Yet, despite all this, they have formed a tight, disciplined community that is educating its children (including girls), employing its youth and feeding its people.
• People can be selfish and cruel: I'd like to not acknowledge it, but some people are driven by greed, some by religious fervor. But religious fanaticism is not limited to Muslims - despite the attempt by some to build this case - I know some equally fanatical Christians and Buddhists. Religion doesn't need to be something that divides us.
• Just because it's different, doesn't make it wrong: I often hear people saying that another's cultural practice is wrong, when what they really mean is it's different. I am not suggesting that culture is always right, but we do need to genuinely try and understand before we write off the beliefs and practices of others - sometimes, just maybe, there is something to learn from the other.
• It is possible to be a 'double agent': Officially I was representing a well respected International Non-Government Organisation (INGO), but it is impossible to divorce who I am from all that I do. So it was that I found myself explaining The Salvos in discussions with AusAID and other INGOs; discussing the vision and mission of The Salvation Army, and discussing their Aid and Development footprint and agenda.

Another trip is over, but my role of supporting the program to transform the lives of marginalised, ignored or forgotten people is refocused. Why do it? Because it matters... because it's my Easter.

There are people hurting in the world out there,

There are children crying and no-one to care...

If we close our eyes perhaps they'll go away?