Over the festive season I was back in the UK visiting family and friends. During that time I had a casual conversation which alarmed me at the time and has stayed with me. Someone asked me how life was in Afghanistan these days, was everything peaceful? This question was asked the day after the UK government had just sent troops back to Helmand Province. I replied innocently, "well haven't you seen the news?" This person replied "oh I stopped watching the news its too depressing."
Now I fully understand that sentiment, you watch the BBC news each night and hear stories of refugees dying trying to find a better life, of people being killed in attacks on cities, of children being killed in high-school shootings and it is depressing. But these are real people that these things are happening to.
I felt and continue to feel challenged by this conversation. In my world I can just turn off the TV and pretend these things aren't happening but is that fair and is it right? I might not be able to do much for those caught up in these tragic circumstances but I can be aware of it.
The organisation I work for has seen a drastic decline in its support. Afghanistan isn't the top story on the news any more, people are turning their attentions and money elsewhere. I had a conversation with a colleague who said - it feels like people have forgotten us, that we need to have a war for people to help.
I guess the thing I feel challenged by is that I am living a comfortable life while around the world there are people suffering. The least I can do is be aware, so I won't be turning off the news anytime soon.
