A New Chapter in Kabul: Challenges and Adjustments
The airport welcome was underwhelming—no CHF sign, no familiar faces. Exiting the arrivals lounge with Pradeep, we spotted his organization’s vehicle immediately. I urged him to wait while I searched for my own pickup. After scouring the parking lot, I found Mr. Eric, a colleague headed to Kunduz, who offered me a ride to the CHF office—a spacious compound in Kulla-e-Pusta.
Settling In
At the office, I met Mr. Mal Ralston, the Australian Program Director, who warmly welcomed me and finalized my contract. Kevin Streeter, the Deputy Director from the U.S., joined us briefly. Later, I connected with the engineering team: Slovak, Baseer, Keith (CHF’s seasoned Australian Chief Engineer and RedR veteran), Ali, Adm, and the ICT staff.
The SCCRP Mission
I am joining the School and Clinic Construction and Refurbishment Program (SCCRP) aimed to build 120 schools and clinics across four provinces: Panjab, Bamyan, Badakhshan, and Talukan. My assignment was to begin site assessments in the Punjab.
A Journey Delayed: Lessons in Patience and Logistics
The day finally arrived for my trip to Panjab. Initially slated to fly, irregular flight schedules forced management to reroute me by road—a common adjustment in Afghanistan’s unpredictable terrain.
The Two-Car Policy Dilemma
CHF relied on hired vehicles due to customs complications. My plan was to join a convoy led by a Sri Lankan colleague, the Microfinance Director, adhering to Afghanistan’s strict NGO “two-car policy” (a safety protocol where two vehicles travel together to mitigate breakdown risks in remote areas).
A Promising Start Derailed
The hired driver parked his car at my guesthouse the night before, assuring me he’d return at 5:30 AM. Eager to avoid delays, I pre-loaded my luggage. At dawn, the Sri Lankan team arrived punctually, but my driver was nowhere to be found. After a tense 15-minute wait, they departed, leaving me stranded.
Furious, I waited until 7:00 PM—yes, PM—when the driver finally sauntered in. A heated argument ensued, resulting in CHF canceling his contract. My trip was postponed, a frustrating setback.
Redemption and Resilience
The next day, Mr. Kevin (Deputy Director) and Ms. Colline (Logistician) secured two reliable cars. Accompanied by Naeem, a skilled Afghan engineer, we set off for Panjab—proof that persistence and teamwork often salvage even the rockiest plans.
Key Takeaways:
Flexibility is non-negotiable: In Afghanistan, plans shift like desert sands. Adapt or stagnate.
Trust but verify: Pre-loading luggage? Smart. Trusting a driver’s vague promise? Less so.
Teamwork triumphs: From Kevin’s quick thinking to Naeem’s local expertise, collaboration saved the day.
Sometimes the road to progress isn’t smooth—but it’s always worth the ride. 🚗💨🚗🏔️.
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