Believe.

My father once told me "believe none of what you hear, half of what you see and all of what you believe".   Wise words from a wise man.  Before I came to Pakistan I was nervous, of course I was, the news only shows the Taliban and suicide bombers, the forget to mention the people who are fighting for their country and the children working for an education.  Last night we enjoyed good food and great company at the Marriott; yes, the one that was bombed in 2007.    Our staff here is more welcoming than ever, offering to take us to the historic villages and see the sights, go shopping and tour the villages.  On the compound we have an amazing gardener who works for little to nothing, the place looks like a botanical heaven, being outside in near perfect 80 degree weather is  to die for.  People here work hard, they do.  They work hard because they know the mission of the project - change.  They want change in their lives and they want change for the people of Pakistan.  They admire the International people for being here, they are grateful.   Tomorrow a few of us are going to the Diplomatic Enclave - yah, probably about as yuppie as it sounds - for a bazaar.  The USG has cracked down a bit and really don't let the staff out, so they have decided to bring in the fun - and invited us!   We have some high rollers on our project with special clearance and I am going to ride on their coat tails all the way through the US Embassy gates.    Beyond the fun, I am working, working hard.  Working for change with the people.  I am working on the systems and process management of the project so that they can focus on the real mission.  Next time you see Pakistan on the news, think of me.  Think of the project I am working on and the people I am working with.  Think of the change they want.  Think of the change we all want.  Think if every news story was so wrong as that one.  Maybe my father is right - isn't he always!  Believe none of what you hear, half of what you see and all of what you believe.  All of what you believe.   I believe in change.