Dremamine anyone?

Today was a very fun day. Like usual we got up and had breakfast. After breakfast, Nichole and I got measured for clothes so that we would have official Afghan attire. Our host gave me some clothes to borrow till mine were ready. We went up to Istalif which is about an hour and half drive from Kabul. Most of the roads aren't paved so we made the trek up the mountain on a dirt packed very rocky road. It felt like we were going 4-wheelling the whole way up. Our driver had to dodge large potholes in the road. As we have discovered there are no rules when it comes to driving in Afghanistan. People are everywhere. The motto here is "honk and go!". Definitely should have brought some medicine for car sickness. One of the ladies at the house went with us to to Istalif to show us around. Along the way she would tell us what stuff was as we would pass. We saw green flags all over the fields and we asked what they were for. She said that was were the Taliban had killed someone and they would put a flag up. We finally made it up the rocky moutnain to Istalif to the medical clinic. There were tons of people there looking for medical care. The lady from the house gave Nichole and I a tour of the clinic. They had a room where they would deliver babies, a room for shots, a TB room, a pharmacy. They even had a room where they would teach the women about planned parenthood. The clinic is something that is much needed in that community. Bob said that there was nothing in Istalif as of 2003. It had all been destroyed when the Taliban came through. People are starting to rebuild their dirt homes and try to make something of the community again. At the clinic there were tons of children running around. There was one particular girl who was about 3 that had followed us outside with 2 other boys. She was beautiful! She had a snotty nose and matted hair but I wanted to take her home with me. She kept pushing all the boys and then running away. After the clinic we went to the boys school in Istalif so the guys could see the water generator. The ladies went shopping at the village. We found a really nice pottery shop. There were so many beautiful pieces it was hard to choose. I finally got 2 turquoise plates. Nichole got a tea pot and couple of other things. The guys were ready so we headed back down the mountain to the house. It was lunch time and we were getting hungry. After lunch at the house we took naps and then headed out to Chicken Street which is where there are little shops set up selling jewelery, clothes, scarfs and rugs. Little kids would follow us around selling things for their school. Women would hold their babies out begging for money to feed their baby. We wanted to give each one everything that we had but it was impossible. Its so funny how the differences in the value of money is between here and America. I found a necklace that I liked and it was $10. They said that was high. I was more than willing to pay that. Jason found a rug that he like that was $20. The people that came with us from the house were arguing with the seller that it was too expensive. They got him to come down to $19. We found a place that sold pashmina scarfs and we bought several for people back home. After chicken street, it was time for dinner so we went back to the house. We had some friends from the university who were coming over to have dinner with us. We were able to give encouragement to them and give them perserverence to continue on. The boys slept outside on the porch and Nichole and I slept in our usual beds. Tomorrow we are going to Ashiana which is a the school for street kids. I am sure that it will be another fun filled day. Btw... thanks for those who prayed for me. I am felling a lot better. I still get tired easily but feeling much better.

Lindsay