Sylvia's Journal

It has been four years now since our close brush with death and our miraculous recovery. Someone asked me the other day what physical effects were still lingering from that time and I realized that I had to think hard; really, nothing of consequence or that needs continued care. But that only concerns me. Axel still struggles with some of the aftereffects of his head injury. I don’t know about our third passenger as it is not something we talk about.

And now, these four years later I find myself in another risky place. The assassination of Karzai’s half brother was followed today by another suicide attack during his memorial service in a Kandahar mosque. Things don’t add up other than that the attacks are aimed at further destabilization. Some are benefiting from this but most are suffering. As a result it is getting increasingly difficult to attract good people to come and work/live here (‘why the hell?’ they ask). Even some spouses who have been fairly tolerant and accepting are starting to get antsy. I know that my decision to leave in October was the right one.

Although at some level I feel like I am abandoning some of the people I have been supporting in their professional development, I also feel encouraged by their recent accomplishments. Two of my mentees have been facilitating workshop two of a four-phased leadership development program for midwives entirely on their own.

This time I was not sitting in the back and providing advice, watching. Although I haven’t seen the results yet the initial reports are positive about high energy and commitment to lead the way. They were thrown in the deep and managed to keep their heads above the water and swim. It makes leaving a little easier because I know they will do well.