Good Evening from Afghanistan

This call arrived at 6 AM... the sun still waiting to rise for myself, and as darkness was approaching for Belinda on the other side of the world. She had a great deal to speak about this particular call. The blog being such a public venue, we are careful about what we post... but there is still much to share.

Belinda was most excited and touched by a meal prepared by her Afghan Police peers today. Food- or the lack of it has been an ongoing issue for the Afghan police, and they often must try to exist off of rice. Belinda and her fellow soldiers have been sharing their own rations so that everyone would have something to eat.

Finally the Afghan police at her post received their meagre food allowance... but rather then devote it to their own needs, they prepared a feast for their Canadian peers and Belinda said it was delicious! They dined on Afghan rice, which is a very long, noodle-like rice, 'crescent moon' potatoes done in afghan oils and spices that reminded her of our french fries, (except the afghan version tasted even better, Belinda says) and a bread native to their area that is reminiscent of bannock. She said she will never forget that meal and it is easily one of the best she has ever had.

Life for animals in Afghanistan is as harsh as it is for the humans there... Belinda being a devoted animal lover, has sometimes found it hard to see what animals also must endure....till a recent event which gave her a laugh...

A poor little donkey was being loaded down with immense amounts of hay, burdened so heavily and piled so high that the donkey was no longer even visible... until the load suddenly shifted and toppled off! The donkey took that moment to flee and galloped off zig-zagging into the horizon with several Afghan locals in tow, stumbling and chasing, arms flailing... she could barely get through this without laughing right out loud.... every once in a while animals get a little justice too!

Friendship bonds are already strong and very devoted between the Canadians and young Afghan police at Belinda's particular post. Their lives touch her immensely, particularly the young Afghan man whose story follows:
One of her Afghan peers is a young man of 22. He spoke of how the violence and impoverished living conditions had deteriorated so badly that his family fled to parts of Pakistan and Germany. Determined to help his family and homeland, this young man left the safety of their new home to return to the war with the dream of helping to bring Afghanistan back to stability with the ANP (Afghan National Police)-hoping upon hope that his contribution would allow his family to return to their beloved homeland one day. But as time has passed, and though he continues to do his duty with lack of pay, equipment, just one uniform to wear day in and day out,the harsh and dangerous living conditions, he sadly acknowledged that his family will probably never be able to return home - at least not in his lifetime ( at 22)

Yet he stays on, attempting to do his duty so that maybe children of a future generation will be able to live in a peaceful and prosperous homeland, one that he himself has never known - just heard about.

Belinda is particularly fond of their 40-ish year old interpreter. He is an active, devoted and integral part of their tight team and she speaks of him every call and the immense help he has provided in their communications. The Canadian soldiers recently gave him a pair of sunglasses, which have become a cherished possession to him. He, in his 40's, had never had a pair of sunglasses in his life...and as you can well imagine in the blazing Afghanistan sun and heat, this small gift was like gold to him. His delight in receiving this small token left Belinda in awe. She said it is hard to see things as you used to once you have witnessed something like this.... she said she will never see something as mundane as sunglasses the same again, she will always be reminded of some one's profound gratitude and delight over a simple pair of sunglasses.

Their culture is a very devoted one. Mosques dot the landscape and the loudspeakers that announce prayer time can be heard off in the distance. Her interpreter is equally devoted and she appreciates quietly watching him prepare for his prayer ritual. Rising at 5 AM, bathing his feet ( an important part of preparing for their prayer) and proceeding with his prayers. There is a hypnotic beauty to their prayers, the way they are sung. She is careful not to be caught staring as this would be disrespectful, but she appreciates the opportunity to witness their devotion.
One day the loudspeaker was not heard at 5 AM...the interpreter was quite flustered and upset about this, and announced defiantly that he would proceed with his prayers anyhow. He was upset that this comfort, the announcement of prayer time, was not to be heard at that moment.

Unfortunately, one of the most prolific crops to be found over there is that of marijuana. This is not news to us, we have seen that on TV here as well. One of the distressing side effects though to these crops is that the immense plant height provides 'cover' for that small segment of the population there that is intending harm and disruption.
Farmers are desperate for any crop that will sell, help them provide for their families... The Canadians are active in aiding through providing money or wheat seed so that the farmers can switch over their crops, and they also reimburse the farmers to keep them cut down, especially close to the roadways where people intending harm like to move covertly. The farmers response has been very good as they are grateful to be able to return home and try to resume their livelihood of farming, the wheat providing them a new way to sustain themselves and their families.

With the intense heat, ongoing lack of sleep, the harsh noise and vibrations of war, the ache of missing your family and friends, the grind to the spirit of witnessing so much suffering and poverty of others, emotions are touchy, and tempers flare up quickly....thankfully moments later, profuse apologies are offered for any weary exchange- "Sorry man,, just really tired" ...etc etc

I hope we all do what we can just to make their days a little brighter. I have mentioned it before and will mention it again- a letter or card ... parcels with small goodies ( books, magazines,toiletries, candy,socks etc)... any of these things will go far to brighten someone's day over there.
It need not even be to someone you personally know, but a friendly letter- a smile across the miles to any soldier will be warmly received. Teamwork is integral there, they share everything good and bad... letters are welcomed and appreciated.

If you have a moment, drop someone a line...be it Belinda or any soldier. A quick email to alwaysartstudio(at)hotmail(dot)com and I will send you either the address of Belinda's post or the general mailing address if you are wanting to send an letter or card to any soldier.

Till next time,
Julie