"When the elephants fight, it is the grass that suffers." Kikuyu Proverb, Kenya
In today's modern age, the saying applies to scandal, especially in the charity business. Recent allegations of false information in Greg Mortenson's Three Cups of Tea and objections about the allocations of funds have definitely tarnished Afghanistan's most popular representative. Considered, in popular culture, as the Mother Teresa of the war-torn region, his fall from grace will hurt more than book sales. Difficult economic times have reeked havoc on charitable giving, bringing to light another mismanagement of funds and inflated ego will likely affect the entire industry.
This story caused a disappointing stomach lurch while my brother-in-law is deployed in this conflicted corner of the world. Reminding me of the need for prayer, for both sides. As the snow melts in Afghanistan, the war is flaring up on the ground and on on 60 minutes. Let us not forget to pray for our family members far from home and the people they are interacting with everyday.
For a great perspective on Afghanistan from one of it's own check out this book:
Storyteller's Daughter
by Saira Shah a British citizen turned journalist, who's father filled her with images of his beloved Afghanistan which she struggled to recognize upon her return as an adult.
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