Capturing Hearts

With three weeks left working in Kabul and the uncapping of St. Valentine’s Day around the corner, I cannot help but share my craving for family and friends in Canada. Back at home where temperatures have reached the -40 C, sending heaps of warm loving thoughts is quite timely and a great way to workout the sags and swells of the heart.

To no surprise, working overseas for prolonged periods can be heart wrenching for the international worker, regardless of the degree of harmony and attraction existing between the people, the work and the international worker. Thankfully, there are several computer aided telephony options and of course the internet to keep in touch.

Still, international workers stationed in Kabul have found many other ways of coping with the separation from their families and the isolation caused by the frequent restricted mobility alerts. Some internationals partake in a Kabul “Hash”, some play Frisbee in secured areas, learn how to read, write and speak Dari, pursue their distance learning programs; while others workout at gyms located in their guest house or local compounds. There are also evenings for card players; trivia question night, karaoke competitions, and the odd shopping excursion on Chicken Street.

By having more freedom and involvement with community based grass roots projects, some internationals working for Non Governmental Organizations have the opportunity to expand - quite gracefully - the breathing space available in Kabul. (to be continued)

Photo taken by Sophie Swire February, 2008.