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The photos in this essay were provided by Deborah Graymoon, a close friend of my sister-in-law who recently made a trip to Afghanistan. Here are Deborah's words about the trip:

"I was privileged to travel with the Women's Delegation under the auspices of Global Exchange, a non-profit group that runs Reality tours. These tours are set up to put people in touch with people in other places and situations. This tour was put together to help women in America understand and work to improve the situation of women in post-Taliban Afghanistan, to document health care and education needs. Because of my background as a midwife I went specifically with an interest in health care for women. I was able to meet with 2 representatives of groups that are working with indigenous midwives. We also visited several schools, a day care center and a mental health facility.

"Much damage remains all over Kabul from the Russian bombing that began in 1979, as well as from the Mujahadeen fighting for the next 8 years after that and the Taliban, which destroyed schools, galleries and theaters. The people are excited about rebuilding their country and picking up again where they left off 23 years ago, but realize it will be difficult with all the infrastructure that must be repaired. They stress the importance of education as the foundation of that renaissance and are dedicated to making it the center focus of their reconstruction.

"The recent earthquakes have put yet another burden on an already stretched and poorly funded interim government, but again, people are hopeful that support will be found for them to rebuild and go on with their lives.

"I have a contact for the earthquake victims support. Her name is Fatana Gailani and she is located in Peshawar. Her email is: awc2@psh.paknet.com.pk

and the address of her office is:

House No. 53, Str. 11, J-1, Phase II, Hayatabad, Peshawar,
Pakistan.
Office: Tel. 812259
Res. Tel. 811261


"She has told me that they need everything from tents, blankets, food, clothing to dishes and other household items: towels, pots and pans, etc.

"Whatever is collected must be trucked in over treacherous and earthquake damaged roads. Not all of them have been cleared of mines, so a 250 mile trip sometimes takes 12 - 14 hours.

"I am trying to collect donations where I live as well."

If these photos move you as much as they moved me, please consider making a contribution to help the earthquake victims, or Afghanis in general. Be patient if you have a slow modem like I do, it make take a while for all of the photos to load.

Blessed Be

Mary Valdez