About a month ago I spent an evening listening to gunfire all around my house, with a smile on my face. Normally in this situation (which is not a common occurrence) I would be in the corner of my room worrying about what was going on but this night I knew it was good news. Afghanistan had just won the South Asian Football Federation Cup. It was a shock victory but it was a chance for everyone to celebrate, and so as the final whistle blew hundreds of young men poured on to the streets of Kabul to party - and thousands of bullets were fired in excitement. It was a glimpse of an Afghanistan united, and a cause for celebration in itself.Today marks the start of another celebration here in Afghanistan, it is the day of preparation for Eid-e-Quorban, which begins tomorrow. For the last week the sound of bleating sheep has been coming from my neighbour's home, and flocks of sheep have dwindled as they have been bought ready for the celebration. At some point over the next 24 hours the bleating will stop and the sheep will be butchered to give to family, friends, neighbours and the poor. It is the festival of sacrifice, and a chance to remember how God spared Abraham's son, and a sheep was sacrificed in his place. For me, as I walk along the streets and step over the streams of blood that form in the mud, it is a chance to reflect on other sacrifices that have been made for me and for the people of this country so that we all may be free.
