Kabul Afghanistan: Seeking Hope in the Face of Adversity

Once a sprawling pine forest, this valley situated in the central-eastern portion of Afghanistan is now a dry and dusty city of approximately 4million inhabitants, with only traces of yester-year's glory. Years of conflict have left pock-marks around the city, ruined buildings, denuded mountain and hilllsides, and a continued lack of potable water. And yet there are glimpses of hope. Businesses are investing in real estate, foreign nations are supporting many industries and the building of mosques and madrassas, and families are throwing a life-time's savings into the construction of new homes.

Vestiges of former days are evident throughout the city. All that defied the ruling power's sense of Rightness was subject to demolition, particularly places such as theaters and cinemas. Daily, thousands pass by this bombed out cinema, likely forgetting its existence. But for us, it is an eerie reminder of the volatility of this place. These are passionate peoples, with hearts that long for a Motivator and who are compelled to follow those who represent the greatest power or offer the most compelling promises.

Power. Rulership. A drive around Kabul erases any doubts about the existence of the current tension. Strongholds have been rebuilt. Armored vehicles and armed soldiers are ever-present.

--wimper-- Even we have been consigned to traveling in a heavily armored truck.

As the capital city of Afghanistan, governmental ministries abound. Police guards line the road front and gates of ministry compounds. Such men as these are most often the target of suicide bombers. It burdens our hearts to think of the sacrifice of these men, most of whom were very young. Our friends here long for peace, for security, and for the opportunity to be able to pursue their dreams and live in hope. And so, we ask our readers to Remember the people of Afghanistan, for the Hope of lasting peace.

And so, we continue our journey through Kabul...

Enterprising Afghans have set up small "snack shacks" lining street fronts, selling sodas, juices, cookies & crackers, dried fruits & nuts.

Tires are big business here, as many of the roads are washboard warped and are dotted with craters, and occasionally scattered with all kinds of rubbish. The Toyota Corolla is by far the most popular car on the road, and second in popularity is the Toyota Land Cruiser/ForeRunner!

Fighting their way through the city streets are flocks of fat-tailed sheep and long-haired goats. These flocks belong to the nomadic people, Kuchis, who bring their flocks into the city for sale. What can flocks eat in the streets of Kabul? They can be found scavanging through heaps of rubbish, eating whatever they can find, from melon rinds to paper, and bleating with joy at the rare patch of grass.

With nearly every piece of level ground owned, new city inhabitants have begun to build on the side of the hills. These homes are in the shadow of the ancient City Wall, visible along the ridge of the hill. From the roof of the Sofi Landmark Hotel, one can basically trace the route of the City Wall around half of the city.

Through all of this, we have great comfort in the knowledge that we are well defended, even though the wall is seemingly in ruins and the enemy roams like a lion, seeking whom he may devour; that faith is the assurance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen; and that the people of Afghanistan are known by their Father, and He has good things planned for them.