The Missionaries of Charity came to visit Herat for 5 days.  They have been working so hard for the past year without a break.  Their superior was gone for 3 months for treatment and the other three sisters were left to do the work.  For 2 weeks, one of the sisters went for her annual retreat and two sisters were left to take care of 3 severely, mentally and physically disabled children as well as feeding a growing number of extremely poor families in Kabul. Upon the return of their superior Paul broached the question as to when they can visit Herat.  The superior told me later on,  “As soon as Paul asked the question I immediately jumped on the opportunity.  The sisters need a break”.  She added,  “In Gaza or Yemen where I used to work, the sisters would go occasionally on picnics,  here in Kabul there is no place to go for picnics.”

 

Within a few days the sisters landed in Herat, one of them later on shared, “As soon as I saw the trees and the green fields in Herat, instantaneously I felt relaxed.  It felt like all the stress melted away”.  The joy and happiness were apparent in their eyes when they saw the garden in the staff house, roses abloom and different flowers bursting in color.

 

It was great to have them around. Their child-like simplicity and their joyful energy impressed me so much.  It made me look at the many ways I complicate and clutter my life just to touch joy.  Here they are, owning only two saris, a set of cutlery, a pair of shoes and a rosary.  They who are allowed to go home and visit their families only once every 10 years!  And yet, so much joy and love about them!  It’s astounding.  It’s humbling.