Going to Afghanistan was a choice in spirit of our universal vocation

in the Society of Jesus, specifically the calling of General Congregation 32 ‘’in service of faith that does justice’’ and Decree 3 of GC 35, highlighting importance of intellectual apostolate and critical thinking

in our ministry.

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I volunteered to be there from 2008-11. With formal education in social sciences and development management I got opportunities to teach in universities and train international NGOs in Afghanistan.

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I experienced a deep joy in accompanying students and NGOs. Exploring the causes of conflicts and impact on different communities

of people in Afghanistan through research was in some way touching the suffering humanity and finding meaning in my role as a Jesuit, a global citizen and beyond the role, as a human person.

I did not find it easy.

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I am grateful to universal Spirit for this experience to be with people, Jesuits in Afghanistan. It is nearly 9 years since I left and yet I cherish those memories. I am grateful to the people of Afghanistan, to my students in the universities of Herat and Bamiyan, to my research colleagues and NGO friends from ActionAid, Islamic Relief, Handicap International, the Lutheran Brothers from Kabul, and all people I met in UNESCO research on gender-based violence in Afghan universities.