101. 2014 in Afghanistan
Well 2014 is over and 2015 has arrived. I managed to not get killed and I still love Afghanistan. Despite all the doom and gloom predictions that the country will collapse at the end of 2014 with the foreign troop withdrawal, Afghanistan is still not only standing but thriving. Yes, there are still sporadic attacks and bombings, but all in all, there is a new sense of hope in the air. As I look out my window, instead of the view of the majestic mountains, my skyline is filled with high rises. Road looks better, Kabul City looks cleaner. And with a new President and cabinet in the making, the people of Afghanistan are looking forward to a better future. There are lots of promises and pledges that have been made by the powers involved to keep Afghanistan's development going. We all might have opinions one way or another about the figures, the programs, the promises but most agree that Afghanistan will not fall back and collapse on itself.
Personally, 2014 was a very enlightening year for me. My family survived without me for a whole year! That is a big accomplishment for them and for me. I had lots of struggles to deal with...work, friends, family and health. My eyes opened to so much about life and about people and the expectations I should and should not have. I learned that I am pretty much done working for the "Afghan Man" and will only work for myself and for this country from now on, I love my simple little rickety apartment in Shahre Now, I am not 24 anymore and most important that if I want to succeed in achieving my goals in life, I have to take the leap and make it happen. I rang in the new year at home with my Mom in the quiet and comfort of my home in California. We didn't reflect much but deep inside we both knew that our demands from life are so different that it was better to not even discuss it. The biggest lesson learned is that I can survive alone with makes me stronger than I was before.
As 2015 begins, I find myself back in Kabul and unemployed for the first time in over a decade. I am a little nervous but there are tons of new projects I am working on. I am quite frankly, many times more busy now than when I was employed but I take it as a good sign that this will be a very significant and life changing year for me.
So as a new season of Bukhari accidents, frost bit fingers, dieting and muddy slush has begun, I find myself happier than I have ever been. I am back amongst the comfort and laughter of my wonderful friends and although, a bit overwhelmed, I am looking forward to a year of new beginnings. So with the passing of another year, I am one year older, a bit more wiser and ready for a year of new challenges and new accomplishments. Wish me luck!
PS: Below are some photos of Kabul in 2014.
Personally, 2014 was a very enlightening year for me. My family survived without me for a whole year! That is a big accomplishment for them and for me. I had lots of struggles to deal with...work, friends, family and health. My eyes opened to so much about life and about people and the expectations I should and should not have. I learned that I am pretty much done working for the "Afghan Man" and will only work for myself and for this country from now on, I love my simple little rickety apartment in Shahre Now, I am not 24 anymore and most important that if I want to succeed in achieving my goals in life, I have to take the leap and make it happen. I rang in the new year at home with my Mom in the quiet and comfort of my home in California. We didn't reflect much but deep inside we both knew that our demands from life are so different that it was better to not even discuss it. The biggest lesson learned is that I can survive alone with makes me stronger than I was before.
As 2015 begins, I find myself back in Kabul and unemployed for the first time in over a decade. I am a little nervous but there are tons of new projects I am working on. I am quite frankly, many times more busy now than when I was employed but I take it as a good sign that this will be a very significant and life changing year for me.
So as a new season of Bukhari accidents, frost bit fingers, dieting and muddy slush has begun, I find myself happier than I have ever been. I am back amongst the comfort and laughter of my wonderful friends and although, a bit overwhelmed, I am looking forward to a year of new beginnings. So with the passing of another year, I am one year older, a bit more wiser and ready for a year of new challenges and new accomplishments. Wish me luck!
PS: Below are some photos of Kabul in 2014.
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