The mission of Afghanistan is close to everyone who has been there.

For me, it definitely is. I was in Afghanistan as a young Jesuit between 2011-12. Though many years have passed, the experiences are vivid, powerful and life changing. I deeply experienced the trust, responsibility, freedom, leadership which the mission placed on me, the warm relationship with fellow Jesuits and collaborators, the sense of owning the mission, a deep satisfaction of serving at the frontiers, and a pervading presence of God.  I was involved with youth while teaching biology at the University of Herat, with children while teaching English at Sohadat and  Guzara, with elders while teaching lecturers English and pedagogical teaching at Kabul. Then there were many English training sessions in coaching centres, language labs and refugee settlements. I had the privilege of making movies about the mission, of singing the Afghan national anthem at local functions, of teaching music, guitar etc.  In all these experiences, I was hit by one thing - Every Afghan, whether a child, young or old,  is a victim of war, killing or brutality. They have dreams, deeply unsure if they will ever realise them.

 

I really thank all my Jesuit companions, starting with Fr. Stan, Fr. Prem, Fr. Jerome, Jestin, Chriu, David, Jack and others and always remember them as persons of great inspiration.