Afghanistans Glorious Past

When most people think of Afghanistan, images of poverty, war, drought, dust, and destruction come to mind. But that wasn't always the case.  Kabul was once a vibrant thriving city ....not that long ago...and today, there are still many beautiful verdant valleys throughout the country. Recently, thousands of ancient antiquities that were hidden for many years from invaders and pillagers have come back out into the open.  My parents were fortunate to have been able to visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York last fall to see these amazing artifacts.  Here are a few of the items that were on display....

I saw Greg Mortenson, author of Three Cups of Tea and Stones Into Schools, on Tuesday night at the Arlington Theater in Santa Barbara.  He spoke of the tens of thousands of children including girls throughout Afghanistan, with the help of the Central Asia Institute and other NGO's, that are now attending schools which was not even an option 10 years ago.  These young girls, who finally have the opportunity to go to school, are learning to read AND teaching their mothers to read.  Now, women are being empowered.... and are forming groups to empower each other.  I believe positive change is inevitable.


I pray that Afghanistan, with so many strong and courageous people, will regain her past glory during my lifetime.

"Educate a boy, and your educate and individual. Educate a girl, and you educate a community"

~ An African proverb told by Greg Mortenson ~