Bpeace in Afghanistan in July

First Full Day Was Typical Bpeace Day

Action packed
On the move
Emotion filled
Climated stroked (heat)
Dead tired
Technology problems
Its 11:00 PM
Need to study for our training tomorrow
And writing this blog
Wishing for bed.

Enjoy the pictures we were able to download. More on the way tomorrow from Venus Fitness.

Our day: While Wendy was working her way around town with Khan Agra, Bahknazera's husband (more on that later), Athena and Kate met with the Bpeace associates involved in the RKAT cooperative retail store . . .We sat in a rose garden (will post pictures for those of you disbelievers) and worked with 12 associates on the development of plans for their retail store. Lots of work ahead for them (and the store's mentors Pam Massenburg and Kate Buggeln). They have selected a steering committee for their co-operative and we left them with agendas for 3 work sessions over the weeks ahead.

Wendy still off wandering town . . .first stop Cotton Factory producing Afghanistan made beautiful fabric . . .she bought loads . . .and loads . . ."I am so excited. To have access to this lovely fabric will expand the abilities of our associates significantly."

Kate left Athena with the RKAT associates for her training session with Nargis and the trainers at Venus Fitness. In 100 degree heat, Kate turned over "The Venus System," a complete fitness program designed by Jeff and Julie Castaldo, Nargis's mentors. The system will revolutionize Venus Fitness. It combines 27 exercises in a three level program utilizing tubes and balls with cardio and nutrition program. Said an exhausted Kate:"I ended up training not only Nargis and her trainers, but 4 of her clients. The women all soaked up the information and told me I would not recognize them when I revisited in November. It was a hot, but way cool, experience." Kate returns to Tuesday for another round of training.

Wendy still off wandering town . . .now in the markets with Khan Agra finding awesome resources for chapans which she will turn into amazing jackets for sale in the U.S.

Wendy and Athena joined the guests at Habiba's Day Care Center opening. And what an event! The pictures tell the story. Athena participating in the ribbon cutting (her first) which was covered by Ariana TV . . .many friends, family, children and their parents attended the opening of this clean, inviting facility which boasts 2 new teachers, a visiting psychologist and a visiting art instructor.

Kate and Athena ended the evening over dinner with Mark McCord of CIPE at the Serena Hotel. Tomorrow is our grand big first day of training with the Afghan Womens Business Federation and the reason Kate and Athena are here . . .what a nice evening with a man who has worked in 45 countries. What a riveting story teller! A great partnership has been started between our two organizations.

Wendy ended her evening where? . . .where else . . .out wandering the town . . .and doing business deals . . .

We are all in and its time for bed.