Unexpected

"Can you translate 'Scream like a little girl'?" - Mary to one of our translators upon getting into a boat with all the male drivers.

What an unexpected day.  We knew that we would be taking all the ladies of Sozo staff out to a lake for lunch, but had no idea what to expect.

We loaded 35 women into 5 vans, and headed out from the guest house.  We had just passed the grassless Kabul Golf Course, and suddenly this pristine, blue lake appeared.  Upon entering the resort we were greeted to lush trees and grass and a stunning view of  the lake and mountains.  Most of these women had never been to this beautiful resort.  They immediately began walking around and wanting their picture taken in the beautiful scenery.  After some tea and cookies we went for some boat rides.  None of these women had ever been on a boat, and many had no idea what to expect.  They entered the boat with some trepidation, but as soon as we left shore the giggles and water fights began.  To hear the squeals of laughter and joy was one of the best noises I have ever heard.

After the boat rides we sat down for a lunch of kabob and rice.  The food was incredible as usual, but the conversation was the best part of lunch.  Conversation flowed smoothly as we discussed life, relationships and chocolate.  At the end of our time together one of the doctors told us that she had a great day, and will call this day "laughing day."

To say that this day was unexpected is an understatement.  To find this resort in the middle of a desert, to find so much peace in the midst of calm.  To connect and laugh and fall in love with women I didn't know existed a week ago.  To get to sit with a principal and her daughter on their first boat ride and see their delight.  To watch women of Afghanistan stand up and be proud of who they are and what they have accomplished.  It was all so very unexpected.