Hi ,

 

 

This entire trip has been an exercise in setting out to do what I suspected could not be done. So far I've been proven wrong. And at the same time proven right, because - despite my fear of failure - a larger part of me trusted that this was possible. 

 

The day after I arrived in Kabul I wrote this story, about courage, kindness and choosing my battles.

 

Two days later, I admitted what I was most scared of in Kabul (and it wasn't the risk of bombs or a Taleban attack).

 

The next day I returned to Herat, where I lived for a year and met with an old friend who reminded me why I loved working in Afghanistan so much, and why it almost destroyed me.

 

Yesterday I wrote about coming back to Ghor, where I found myself facing ghosts and my fears, in the form of a giant dog.

 

Today, in honour of World Press Freedom Day, I shared the stories and concerns of a young journalist who I interviewed this morning.

 

I have another week here, and another province to visit. It's a lot to fit into a short time and I'm grateful to have a reason to write these stories because they help me keep track of everything I'm seeing and feeling. 

 

Thank you for helping make this trip possible. Whether you made a donation or simply sent me your good wishes, it helps and I'm grateful. 

 

Take care, 

 

Marianne