When I think back to my visit to Afghanistan, one word comes to mind: gratitude. Gratitude for the generous hospitality I experienced in Kabul, Bamiyan and Daikundi. Gratitude for being able to immerse myself in a culture that is thousands of years old, but which has been tested by suffering time and again. I feel gratitude for the people I was allowed to meet. People full of hope, dreams, kindness, humour, ambition and helpfulness. What particularly impressed me was inventiveness and willingness to cooperate. During my journey I learned a lot about being grateful in life and to face difficulties without complaining but thinking creatively for better solutions.

 

No matter whether people live in hectic Kabul, noisy Herat, charming Bamiyan, remote Khidir or quiet Sheikh Meran, all deserve a chance for a fulfilling life. And I am proud that the Jesuits help to realize this chance with various development and educational projects. I am especially proud of the graduates of Jesuit Worldwide Learning (JWL), who with their acquired knowledge took initiatives to build up their home country and became entrepreneurs, teachers or business people. They became men and women for others.