Everyday in Kabul and Afghanistan for that matter we wish....  We wish there wasn't going to be an election run off....  we wish we had more hours in the day..  we wish we could speak and understand more Dari, but for PARSA, we have a number of items we always wish we had and know we could have if only....  we were in the Western part of the world. 

Here is a short list of items PARSA disparately needs.  If you would like to contribute a tangible item, these items are best.  And of course, we ALWAYS enjoy those checks and cash donations. 

• Satellite Phone
• Office furniture, carpet, tables, cabinets
• flashlight batteries (size C & D)
  
• inexpensive digital cameras
  
• Photo albums
  
• printer ink - please email for specific ink cartridges
  

PARSA has been BUSY and we are all very excited about everything that has been happening!!

We have to apologize for not getting more news out sooner. Between time spent in the US and all our new projects - we are all having a hard time keeping up with everything.

New projects keep coming our way, we have had house guests, visitors and all sorts of new happenings. Don't miss a word of our newsletter to find out what we have all been up to and look for occasional email blasts to alert you to upcoming media features on PARSA!!

We can't wait to share our successes with you!!

Those of us living in Kabul realize Afghanistan isn't on most people's top ten list of places for a vacation, but early this spring, Marnie was approached by a Canadian woman who had created and built an amazing Park and garden just outside of Bamiyan City.  (Bamiyan is about 150 miles west of Kabul)  Heather Bellamy, who began the project turned her hard work over to Marnie this summer.  PARSA is now working hard to help put Bamiyan BACK on the tourist map with the Bamiyan Family Park and Women's Garden. 

We have now begun the process of moving forward with Heather's ideas as well as implementing PARSA's training and education methods.  In October we spent a long week at the Park, training the staff and holding events for the public - both Afghan and International.  Joining us in our journey was Marnie's dear friend Fauzia Assifi who provided us with traditional Afghan cooking classes and kitchen training for the staff.  We had an extremely successful event and are looking forward to upcoming monthly events in Bamiyan at the Park including a Thanksgiving Feast!! 

PARSA will use the Park and Garden as a hospitality training facility (with the WONDERFUL help of Fauzia Assifi) as well as a location for agricultural and gardening programs to help the Bamiyan people work to become more self sustaining.  As we move forward with the facility, we will be adding guest rooms, Yerts, and also a Winter Recreational Club - called, The Snow Leopard Club for snow shoeing, inner tubing and cross country skiing. 

The Bamiyan Family Park and Women's Garden is a huge undertaking and will be an amazing facility to help the people of Bamiyan province, by providing training and jobs.  It will also be a great place for Internationals and Afghan alike to visit and enjoy the beauty of the Afghan country. 

Early this Spring, PARSA decided its next project would be to bring Scouting to the orphans we work with in the Kabul Orphanages.  Using the two large orphanages in the city as our model program, we have started creating both Girl and Boy Scout troops with the children in the orphanages.   We have talked about our scouting program before in the newsletter, but the program has been rapidly gaining momentum. 

We now have 5 troops started and recently had a request from the US Embassy in Kabul asking if the Ambassador's wives could come to visit the orphanages and interact with the children.  This endeavor was a HUGE step for both PARSA and the children. 

We arranged to have one of our Girl Scout Troops interact with the ladies - which was ideal as almost all the ladies were Girl Scouts themselves.  The girls worked prior to the visit with their "Good Mothers" and prepared a feast of delicacies and the guests sat around the table and introduced themselves and gave a quick overview of what they do in Kabul.  Following this, the group toured the orphanage and had a chance to talk with some of the girls and the kids.  The ladies from the Embassy had a great time and had a chance to see inside one of the national orphanage - to talk with the kids and see how they live. 

It was a great experience for everyone - as it gave the Embassy people a chance to get out and see a part of Kabul many never see and the kids had a chance to meet some very interesting people.  We are sure the experience will have a positive impact on the lives of both groups.   

What Marnie was able to explain to the guests was the impact the scouting program was having on the kids.  The kids are learning how to become leaders in the community - something Afghanistan desperately needs. 

The biggest outcome of this meeting and interaction was in invitation from Ching Eikenberry, wife of Embassador Karl Eikenberry,  for the next Scout Troop ceremony to be held at the US Embassy.  We are thrilled to have such interest in the program from the US Embassy and hope this will create a deeper relationship with them for the future.

As we have said many time in this message - we have been busy. Along with the project in Bamiyan - here are a few of the other NEW initiatives we are working on in Kabul and throughout Afghanistan: 

As a result of the CNN coverage, we have received more attention from the US Embassy and Marnie has been asked to talk with the Embassy people about Embassy staff becoming more involved in the Afghan Community.  In response to that meeting, Marnie has formed a group called the "Community Resource Bank".  This is a group of Afghans and Internationals who have at least 4 - 5 years of Afghanistan experience who will work with the Embassy to find ways the International community can become more involved and participate in the needs of the Afghan people from OUTSIDE the walls of the Embassies and secure compounds.  A true PARSA hands on initiative. 

PARSA and Marnie hit the World Justice Forum

Marnie has also been asked to moderate break out groups in the development sector at the World Justice Forum in Vienna Austria in November.  The basis of the World Justice Forum is how to strengthen rule of law in developing countries.  It is quite an honor for Marnie to be asked to participate in this international event and will be an amazing opportunity for PARSA and Marnie to throw an even wider net for gathering contacts. For more information about the World Justice Forum, please visit the following link:  http://www.worldjusticeproject.org/

ANIMAL LOVERS Unite with PARSA

As many of you may know - there is a vast number of dogs, cats and other animals looking for loving homes and places to rest throughout Afghanistan and Kabul.  We at Marastoon do our best to help our four legged friends.  Anyone who has visited our home can attest to the number of animals we support.  (5 goats, 2 donkey's, 2 parakeets, 4 cats, 1 kitten, 6 adult dogs, 6 puppies... and the ever growing number of semi-feral dogs that roam our 20 acres compound. 

Just like the poor and vulnerable Afghan people, the animals of Kabul seek refuge at Marastoon.  PARSA has taken it upon itself to start working to reduce the number of feral animals.  In  partnership with a local shelter we will be establishing a compassionate animal control program that will include neutering, vaccination and adoption programs for the Kabul municipality.  Our experience has shown that the Afghan means of animal "control" is to use poison to control the city's animal population.  Once our program has been established we will invite the Kabul municipality to and learn from our successes with the animals at Marastoon.  Our program will also focus on proper animal care for people who are seeking to adopt an animal from us. 

If you are an animal lover, please join PARSA and our family in supporting our four legged friends and family members.  And if you know anyone connected with a pet food company or service who might be interested in sponsoring our program, please let us know by emailing: fieryglass@gmail.com.