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More about Cindy Carpenter Spice visit.

It's been 10 years since I was last in Afghanistan and visited Mary. The first thing I noticed was how Kabul is bustling. The city is in a constant state of gridlock caused from the countless cars and people. With the security checkpoints everywhere, just getting around town is a major feat. New residents have desended on Kabul. Today, there are shops, restaurants, and produce stands that fill the city. Modern multi-story buildings are being built. Women and girls are now seen moving around the city to work, shop, and go to school. The most amazing sight I saw was the all the girls heading to school. Distinguished from everyone else are groups of girls happily walking in their white scarves, black jackets and pants which seems to be their uniform. Men and women are dressed in both modern but conservative clothing as well as traditional clothing. Some women still wear burkas. Billboards currently appear in the skyline and music, which was forbidden before, can now be heard from the booming car speakers and from different stores and restaurants. This is a place truly in transition. But one thing I didn't see was a the US military. Except at the airport and two convoys, I only saw Afghan security.   

And while all these exciting changes are taking place there is still a desperate need everywhere and on every level. Millions of people have moved from the rural areas into the city. All the services have been overwhelmed. Food, water, power and sanitation have been stretched beyond their limits. Education is still not possible for everyone. I visited with many organizations including CARE, SWEDISH COMMITTEE, ACBAR, SERVE, SOLA, as well as three television stations, the University of Kabul and USAID. There was an excitement every time I would tell them about Mary's return with Afzenda and her several projects. I met with a group of brave young women who shared with me their extremely moving stories of their past and their continued struggles. They are all full of hope and determination for their future. It was such a pleasure to meet the Women's National Basketball team and to hear their dreams of participating in the Olympics some day. They don't even have uniforms but they are truly inspiring. 

There is progress in Afghanistan. Unfortunately, in our media we only see coverage about the conflict. Even though there are numerous problems in Afghanistan and the Taliban are a very real threat, especially to westerners, I'm very glad to be a part of Afzenda to help in Mary's continued and important contribution to the people of Afghanistan. 

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