A moment of truth

10/2006 - The moment to WALK THE TALK had come, as Shamim and I courageously stood upon the soils of Karizi Mir in the Shomali Plains located north of Kabul.

This gorgeous landscape was the site of the resort for the former King of Afghanistan, Zahir Shah, who is now referred to as the "Father of the Nation." The bombed out palace was now the headquarters for The HALO Trust which is the British based demining organization who led the late Princess Diana safely through the minefields of Huambo, Angola. They would now guide the footsteps of an Afghan and American mother through the soils of Afghanistan. Inshallah! (Translated means "God Willing!")

As we suited up in our protective demining gear, they asked for our bloodtype in case of emergency. This was a moment of truth. My own dear mother had passed away only a few months ago, and I prayed that the blood that runs through my fingertips would be protected by my angels above. The chest gear was firmly strapped in, and the protective masks went down over our faces like astronauts preparing for Outer Space--an alien experience for two mothers whose hearts were rapidly pumping blood and leading the way forward...one careful step at a time.

The landscape was surreal, as it was one of the most panoramic tourist destination sites that I've ever seen. As we climbed to the mountain top, we were told that this was the frontline of battle for both the Soviets and the Taliban, and perhaps one of the most heavily mined areas in the world. The paradox of this situation is difficult to express, as the landscape consisted of pine trees lining the royal pathway to this once palacial mountain retreat. The Earth's traditional harvest was evident, as the leaves of the trees were bronze, golden and red as they gently drifted in the soft winds to the grassy fields during this Fall Season.

Yet, the wicked reality of landmines created an illusion as the panoramic landscape was the Devil's Garden rather than a Garden of Eden.