Salaam!
I've received a few inquiries as to the nature of the trip, so I wanted to address these concerns. The purpose of this trip is simply to serve others. After the continuous wars in Afghanistan, a huge gap was created in the educational system. Young men were sent off to fight to save their families and their country, and girls weren't allowed to attend school for many years.
And although two weeks isn't long, it will give the students fresh faces to talk to, laugh with, and hopefully learn from. And maybe, next month, some other folks will show up and do the same thing. Two guys don't change much, but if there are others who can come after us, great things can be done. We're trying not to let the Best be the enemy of the Good. Personally, as many of you know, I'm a huge nerd when it comes to school and education, so it gives me a chance to be the teacher instead of the student.
So, we're going on this trip to teach those who wish to learn, encourage those who are losing hope, give a break to those who are tired, love those who feel left out, and show those we meet that we do indeed care about them, that we will listen to them, and we will work hard to make their lives a little more joyful.
We are not going on this trip to proselytize. Also plain and simple. There are several reasons for this. Number One: it is illegal. Number Two: see Number One. Number Three: We don't wish to bring harm to anyone. There are many other reasons as well, but Number One should be enough of a reason by itself.
We believe, as James taught us in his letter, that true religion is to take care of widows and orphans in their time of trouble. Our service is designed and your donations are designated to do just that. Plain and simple.
I hope you all are having a wonderful week so far.
