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Journey to Afghanistan - Chapter 6, page 17

An Ancient Occupation

The flock consisted of about two hundred sheep, both lambs and adults. They had not yet been shorn and, with the exception of blue, their coloration was very similar to the clothing of their guardians. A few had long horns curled close to their heads. I could only imagine in this desert the sizable distances this flock must have to travel to find sufficient forage.

I asked how the large dogs, a bit smaller than Saint Bernards but of similar coloration, were used. They informed us that primarily they guarded the sheep from wolves and jackals. It was evident by both conformation and behavior that they must be effective.

Our arrival was a time for celebration and most gracious hospitality extended to us y our hosts. Invited inside the tiny hut, we sat in a circle and were served the ever present hot tea. They cooked some mutton and served it in a pan, along with a few pieces of flat bread, both placed on a small red crocheted mat in the center of our circle. The meat was well seasoned and delicious. Several, including John Mohammed, took turns singing and dancing accompanied by a flute-like instrument and small hand drum. The rest of us clapped in time to the music. What a pleasant time. This scene called forth many thoughts: People of such different backgrounds, from exactly the opposite sides of the world, yet enjoying our time together. I thought this setting must be little different from that experienced among shepherds in the time of Christ.

While there I repeatedly felt the warm smile of one herdsman sitting across from me. I learned he'd seen me at the clinic at Khorasan several days before for symptoms of esophageal reflux. It pleased me to hear he was much improved.

A tiny black lamb was brought in for us to see and pet. It lay quietly beside the dish of mutton and seemed to enjoy the stroking. I guessed it to be an orphaned kid. The kind hospitality enjoyed in this sheep camp was remarkable. This was my experience many times in Afghanistan, even being offered kindness by very poor people who could not really afford that excess. As we drove away we could see the little orphaned lamb snuggled up against one of the large guard dogs. We felt exquisitely gifted.

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