What Matters

What's your criteria for a successful life? Some measure it in monetary terms, some in prestige, some in honor and integrity, others perhaps by being of service to others. Some by raising obedient and upright children. To each his own.

Today, I listened to an elderly Spaniard who just finished a European Union project overseas as a Team Leader. Of course, to become a team leader in a specific sector and country, one must have demonstrated decades of technical and management experience. He wanted to express his availability in case a project comes up. He said he wanted to make it clear he was not retiring. 

He was so humble. He didn't even mind getting sent to Afghanistan. Anywhere, even with -35C as long as it is not Syria. He said his wife will join him anywhere as long as it is not Syria. Their kids are all grown ups so he said what matters only is his wife. And his wife loves moving around, exploring cultures, meeting people. He said it was just perfect for his job. To stress the point further, he said: 

"If the wife (relationship) is ok, the project is ok. If not, the project is not."

Simple. 

What's next?

From Yatzer's Timeline

Women and Afghanistan

I blame my dad for influencing my fascination for spy, investigative, suspense shows shot all over the world or at least, have a cross-border twist. In the past few years, we've been hooked on NCIS. It's one of our bonding sessions.

On this steady Saturday morning, we saw an NCIS episode from Season 9. It was set in Afghanistan (AFG), to rescue a Marine held hostage by an impostor teacher who was actually a terrorist who believes that the proliferation of American ways, especially the freedom of learning and how it is empowering for women and children, should be limited.

It was quite an appropriate episode to watch this March, women's month. Even more appropriate to watch as I saw an opportunity this morning that could further a dream in the form of funding and mentorship.

I am no stranger to AFG although I will not say I am an expert on it. I have not even been there. But I have been schoolmates with one when I was in the Czech Republic, and more recently, I have been working with Afghans on cross-border transport and trade facilitation. The more people, goods, and services traverse territories safely, the more development is likely. The more opportunities for an improved way of life is possible.