Clay Aiken in Afghanistan:
“There is so much more that needs to be done”
UNICEF Ambassador Clay Aiken wrote this blog post for Fieldnotes, reflecting on his visit to UNICEF field sites in Afghanistan.
It’s not that fun being wrong.
Fortunately for me, I don’t have to do it very often! HA HA!
Okay… I’m kidding. I spend plenty of my time on the side of inaccuracy. But, few of my misdirections or misconceptions could possibly compare to how far off of the mark I was in my assumptions about my trip to Afghanistan.
I doubt it would come as a surprise that my mother was none too thrilled when I told her I would be traveling with UNICEF to a country that many consider to be one of the most dangerous in the world for Americans. My brother had just returned from his second tour as a U.S. Marine in Iraq when I let my mother know, so her blood pressure probably stayed high even after my return. I wasn’t so at ease about it myself. Hostage takings, suicide bombings, and insurgent attacks are all seemingly daily occurrences in many parts of the country. At least that’s what we see on TV and read in papers and magazines.
I couldn’t have been more wrong about Afghanistan. And I couldn’t have been farther off target about the Afghan people. With the exception of maybe my grandparent’s house, I have never felt more welcomed. The Afghan people are some of the most gracious and inviting people on Earth.
After centuries of having their land filled with travelers and explorers, I guess they have hospitality down to an instinctive science. Everywhere we traveled we were greeted with warmth and welcome. Even on the streets of Kabul and the rugged hills of Bamyan. But nowhere as gracious as the schools and UNICEF programs that we visited. Despite the most meager accommodations, we were always invited in and shown every simple resource with the utmost of pride.
And, why shouldn’t they be proud. Until a few years ago, most of these students were forbidden by the Taliban regime from going to school. And now?…. Now over 6 million children are piling into broken down buildings and UNICEF tents everyday to catch up on the lessons that they have missed out on for years. That’s if they are lucky. Many, if not most, haven’t even the luxury of a tent. Just a dusty ground outside in one of the world’s most beautifully scenic landscapes. And still, they come to class. Many walk for miles; for hours.
With frankness I’ll tell you, there is little to show off at these schools. The schools I visited had such limited resources that most made the average American 3 year-old’s bedroom look like a learning lab. I can remember my own collection of books as a 2nd grader, and it looked liked the Library of Congress compared to the school library I saw at a school for over 2000 students. (And, I doubt I ever read half of them.)
Yet, the hunger and desire to read and to learn is so strong that, despite no enforced laws making schools compulsory in Afghanistan, children are clamoring to go to schools.
As I saw on my trip, UNICEF is there. UNICEF is providing tents so children can study away from the elements. UNICEF is struggling to provide school supplies to every young boy and girl in Afghanistan who wants to learn. UNICEF is providing literacy courses for women who have been forbidden far too long from a right of education that so many of us take for granted. But there is so much more that needs to be done.
Afghanistan is so far from the “lost cause” that I had expected to find in the rugged hills of south Asia. It is, I believe, one of the world’s countries with the most potential. The people are perhaps it’s most valuable natural resource. They are determined to break through the years of oppression they have endured. They are sponges for knowledge, and poised for success.
Winter is over in Afghanistan. It’s time to get ready for amazing growth in Afghanistan’s spring.
The people… make that the COUNTRY of Afghanistan showed me and my fellow travelers such AMAZING hospitality despite meager means.
As a people of substantially more means… we can help UNICEF return the favor.
Clay…thank you for the blog. It is encouraging to hear that these wonderful people are so full of spirit and have a thirst for learning. So often the media paints the picture they want us to see. Your blog…so full of hope…makes me smile. Thank you for taking the risk to go there and thank you for sharing the experience with us. My family will proudly make a donation to help these children get the necessary educational tools they deserve.
Thank you for sharing with us, Clay. I am inspired by your committment to UNICEF and children, and hope there are many more ways you help UNICEF spread the word of this very valuable, very important work. The smiles on the faces of the children are a sign of much hope to come in that nation.
You’re writing’s not bad either…have anything else you want to share with us?
Clay, thank you for bringing attention to the critical issues facing the children of Afghanistan — and the world. I was aware of the situation but have learned so much more by reading about your trip.
I am using my blog to help to spread the word. Here’s hoping that the $100,000 goal will be met — and exceeded!
Thank you for being the change you want to see in this world. Today, more than ever, it is clear how much we need to embrace love.
All the best,
Michael
Clay,
Thank you so much for informing us about what you have seen and experienced in Afghanistan. I treasure first hand reports like yours because so many media reports are agenda laden. I appreciate hearing what you saw…the hope, the resilience, the desire of a people. Thank you for keeping us informed, I hope you will continue to blog about Afghanistan.
Well done, Mr. Aiken!
The thirst for knowledge is so strong; I am so very glad you are the one chosen to speak for the children in this area.
You just make us so proud!!!!
Thank you for your passion for music and great works.
Clay,
First, I love seeing Posted by Clay Aiken, UNICEF USA on April 16, 2007 4:48 PM | Permalink
just makes me smile.
2nd I love that you are raising awareness and educating all of us that Afghanistan is not a land entirely filled with despots and terrorist. Thanks for giving us perspective on the “silent” victims of war…the innocent people who are as removed from the Taliban as you and I. Thanks for using your voice and showing us the the another aspect of Afghanistan.
Clay, your admiration for the country of Afghanistan and love for its people shone brightly in your blog entry (beautifully written!) and in the photos.
Thank you for all your work for UNICEF and for letting us know firsthand what the conditions are and what the children need.
Clay,
Thank you for letting us know what it is like in Afghanistan. You’re right in that all we see is the bad stuff happening and we don’t hear about the children and what is happening to them.
It motivates me to actually hear what you have to say about the area and to see photos.
I’ve made a donation but after seeing this, I’m going to make another one as this is so important for the success of Afghanistant as a country and for the innnocent people there just trying to live their lives and raise their families in peace.
Good information. I have been dreaming about a philanthropist stepping forward to equip that school you saw, Clay, with enough books for a decent library. There is so much work to be done in countries like Afghanistan. It is frustrating.
Clay, thank you for you enlightening words. I have learned much about Afghanistan in the past week. We needed these words from you to quell the sorrow of so many tragic happenings. You are demonstrating the power of love!
Clay,
Thank you for telling us the POSITIVE things about afghanistan. You are right, we only hear the negative side of things mostly here. I’m relieved that you had a safe journey. I look forward to hearing more and seeing more pictures as well as help you spread the word to reach out and help these wonderful people.
Thank you for the wonderful insights into Afghanistan, Clay. I have never been to the country, but a teacher at one of my son’s schools was from there. She and her family fled after the Soviets invaded years ago. When the United States freed her country from the Taliban rule, she spoke before the school assembly here. It was a beautiful and moving speech. She talked about how lush the country was when she was a young girl and how magnificent the gardens used to be there before war took its toll. She finally broke down and cried at the end of her speech because she was presenting the school with a duplicate flag in honor of her country, Afghanistan. She explained that it was the first time the flag had flown over her country since the Soviets had invaded and the Taliban had ruled there.
Imagine, finally, the Afghan people have their national flag back. Yes, they are a proud and loyal people and very admirable.
Thanks for your dedication to helping people in need, Clay. You are an excellent Ambassodor for UNICEF. Welcome home!
Clay, thank you for sharing your experiences and letting us all know just how much hope there is in Afghanistan. I would also be classified as one of those people that would have been so “wrong”. My family will proudly give to this cause and I hope that the growth of the spring will turn into an even brighter summer.
Karen
Clay, your fans are so proud of you for making the trip to Afghanistan and highlighting the needs of children and women there. It’s no surprise that you were warmly received.
Keep up the good work. You are a wonderful Ambassador!
Thanks for the report Clay. I knew nothing about Afghanistan other than what was going on with the war. Keep up the great works.
I applaud your efforts, Mr. Aiken, in helping to educate the world on what is happening in Afghanistan and Africa (and of those afflicted with disabilities)- and while doing it finding hope and joy in some of the world’s worst tragedies. It is certainly easy for we as Americans to either turn our backs on such things or to be overwhelmed by the amount of worldwide suffering, and then label these places as “lost causes.” But, I believe most “lost causes” are where you will find the most hope, you just need the vision to see it. Mr. Aiken, you have the gift of that vision and I am proud to join you and UNICEF in helping the world’s children overcome these tragedies. Keep up the good work of spreading hope, joy and love to every corner of the world.
wow, so eloquently stated. Thanks for your insight. I’m happy you had the experience and I’m so very proud. Carry on.
Wrong? And you admit it? That’s one to mark on the calendar ;-)
On the serious side … thank you for eloquently writing about your pre-visit assumptions and your from-the-field observations and learnings. I would have had many of the same misconceptions and certainly would have had the same trepidations. In fact, it’s probably a good thing that in the midst of a grand celebration of “champions of change” I didn’t know just how close you were to making this journey.
But now you’ve been given the opportunity to share a story of great promise and potential … a story of graciousness and hospitality … a story of the hunger and desire of children to learn and to go to school. Those are very good reminders and benchmarks on a day when events at a U.S. institution of higher learning might otherwise make us even more cynical about the future.
I hope that your story will have a positive impact for the children of Afghanistan well beyond what you and the UNICEF personnel might have imagined.
Proud of you, Clay. Thank you for “using your voice.” :-)
Deb
Clay, thanks for the detailed, personal and hopeful blog. You excel at this…hopefully more often? *g*
Seriously, this is what we need to hear to understand what is happening and make the right choice to help.
I am so proud of you and your demonstrated commitment to the children of the world. Keep up the wonderful work, and keep communicating. We need more like you.
Lori
Thank you so much for the blog and sharing your experiences in Afghanistan. It is encouraging to know how enthusiastic the children are about getting an education. We are all so proud that you have been chosen to do this work for the children.
I am helping to spread the word. Here’s hoping the $100,000 goal will be met and even exceeded.
You’ve given me a new perspective on the country of Afghanistan. Your words depicting the hospitality, need, and desire among the Afgani people and especially the children have opened my eyes to a promise of hope. A hope that many more will read your words and see a new perspective and a hope that the needs of these people will be met. Thank you for taking the initiative to travel under uncertain conditions and trust in the special calling that you were given. The world doesn’t have to be such a large place if there were more people who took the time to the promise in rather than the conflict. Thank you to the Afghani people for giving of themselves and filtering that spark of hope from one Nation to another. Thank you to Clay Aiken and UNICEF for providing the means for that filter. ~MM~
The portrait you paint of the strength and promise of the Afghani people brings tears to my eyes. I am praying that the world will begin to see that these people and this country are much more than the barbaric country of war we see on tv. They are deserving of Unicef’s assistance and the worlds’s respect and it starts with the public being educated as to the true nature and promise of the people of Afghanistan. Thank you to all who endeavor to make that happen.
So much potential. So much to be done.
These children are the hope of their country. They are the leaders of tomorrow. I am proud to support UNICEF’s efforts to provide them with the education they long for.
Thank you, Clay, for so eloquently sharing what you have seen and felt. Thank you for cintinuing to make a difference.
This is a wonderful blog – so full of heart and information. When you tell us about the people you meet on these trips, you help us see how we are all humans with responsibilities to one another and how we can also take joy in learning about and helping one another. Thank you for sharing your experiences and for these trips that raise so much awareness and support for people in such need. (And as a mom, I can understand your mother’s concern, but I am also sure that she is deeply proud of you!)
Thank you for your insight on the people of Afghanistan. It has enlightened us all! Clay, we are so proud of all that you are doing for the children of the world. You are a model for us all. May God help guide you to achieve all that you wish. We all love you and wish you only the best.
I so enjoyed reading your notes about your trip to Afganistan for UNICEF. It must have been so rewarding to see life there in person and to be able to share your message for helping children with those eader learners. I am so proud to see the works you are doing.
Thank you, Clay, for speaking up for the children of the world. Thank you for speaking up for those that don’t have a voice. Thank you for being a role model for these children as well as adults. God bless you.
What a wonderful blog. So very articulate and honestly expressive of his feelings before, during and after this great experience. My admiration for Clay as a UNICEF ambassador has just gone off the scale.
Thank you for sharing this very unique experience.
Dear Clay….words almost fail me at the moment….your blog was wonderful and such a joy to read……
Your insights on Afghanistan have brought a new understanding to me about this country and its people….
A huge thank you for all that you are doing for the children as Unicef’s Ambassador….you make my heart so full with the understanding you are able to bring to us about these children in far off places, places most of us will never get to visit!
May God continue to hold you in his arms, as we continue to hold you in our hearts..and May God keep you safe always!
I am so very proud that you are living your dream to make a difference……
Clay, thank you for your impressions of Afghanistan and its citizens! Your insights are important and I hope that you have an opportunity to share them to a wide audience over the next few weeks.
The fact that you share UNICEF experiences in this way (and via video and pictures) has broadened my view of the world and inspired me to pass on your message to others.
Clay, your blog was full of interesting information I did not know about Afghanistan. One thing that I took to heart was that the children had so walk far to school. I remember as a child walking over a mile to school for 12 years. No busses. It brought back memories for me. I could picture the children walking and being anxious to get to school.
I always thought you were a fearless man. Now knowing more about you, I see I am right. You may not always be right, but you are very brave. You have your classroom in countries across the globe.
I am thrilled for you. You look so excited in the photos. Thank you so much for sharing your experiences.
Clay,
Thank you so much for sharing your impressions and experiences from the Afghanistan visit. It is wonderful to hear the eagerness of these children and women to learn and how we can help make this happen for them. Awareness of the situation is the key and your work with UNICEF and this hopeful message are inspiring. You are a very brave, caring man and like your Mom, I am glad you are home safely!
Thank you Clay and Unicef, for shining your light onto a situation in Afghanistan that many of us know so little about. How wonderful to know that these children are filled with an eagerness to learn and a sense of pride and accomplishment. May the money that you help to raise be used to make living and learning that much easier for these special children, so that they may in turn use their newfound knowledge to improve the lives of those who come after. Many blessings upon all of you!
Thank you for taking the time to share your experiences with us,Clay.Glad to know you are safely back at home again.
You’ve often asked us what we can do to help children in need. If I might offer a suggestion? Your Toys for Tots campaigns have been extremely successful,due in large part to fans bringing donations to collection points during your Christmas tours.
Perhaps on your upcoming summer tour,you could have collection points where fans could bring school items to be sent to the children of Afghanistan….books,pencils,paper,art supplies,etc. We would love to help out in any way possible.
Thank you again for showing us all the true “Measure of a Man”.
Laurie
What an amazing story. Thanks so much for sharing your experiences. Hearing about the childrens’ desire for an education and what they are willing to tolerate in order to get one is a real eye opener. This is a story that all of us need to hear. I’m very impressed with UNICEF and their ambassador.
Clay! Your blog was so moving! i really feel like getting to know better these children from Afghanistan! since i dont have the means to support them financially, im just happy to learn more about them. to tell the truth, i thought like you before. i think i was a little bit scared about what was going on in that country, but im so glad and thrilled to learn that the people there are so wonderful.
They will definitely achieve success if they keep hoping and if we help kindling that hope!! i cant believe some of the kids there are just a couple of years younger than me! they can definitely use a helping hand.
thank you for your report and your support, Clay! ^^
Love,
Wendy
Mr. Aiken
Your able words are an obvious reflection of your healthy soul! As well they are a just reflection on the plight of the innocent in Afghanistan. My family and I are praying that your goal is well met and will truly make the difference you dream of. And here is to hoping you do not rest your eloquent writing skills just yet. We would all love and benefit from you applying said skills to penning more songs. Perhaps even one about “the children”!
May God watch over you always…
Sally
Clay and UNICEF …what a perfect fit. UNICEF
chose wisely when they selected you to speak on behalf of the children of the world.
Thank you for the detailed, informative and
descriptive blog about your experiences in Afghanistan. You certainly are making the difference you have always wanted to make and
in the process have made me so aware that there are needs in the world that stretch beyond my doorstep and my immediate neighborhood.
What a wonderful blog about your trip to Afghanistan. Reading about the children, their pride in showing you what they have instead of what they don’t have, and their thirst for education made my heart swell.
Thank you for what you do and for being such an amazing ambassador for this wonderful organization. I’m so grateful that you returned safely and I know your family must be so proud of your endeavors but also thankful for your safe return.
We are the world.
Mr.Aiken,
You make me real proud to be an American because of what you are doing on behalf of Unicef.You can count on my all time support and keep up the good work.God bless!
Jenn
Clay , how nice it is for you to blog and let us know you were wrong ! I LOVE ‘humble’ Clay!!!!! LOL!
I also LOVE philenthropic & teacher Clay Aiken !
You look so very at home at the blackboard Clay!
UNICEF is very blessed indeed to have you as their Ambassador.
How it warms my heart in this time of unrest to hear that someone is making a difference.
I thank GOD everyday for the ‘gift’ of you and my prayers are with the work that you so seflessly set out to accomplish.
My Our Lord God be at your every footstep .
What a message of hope and inspiration. We today are a nation of grief and mourning for the students involved in the masacre at V-Tech. To be reminded that this happens every single day in other countries, and to know they they can survive and over come, it’s very calming to know that we should be able to as well. Thank You, Clay Aiken, for finding the good in a situation once deemed hopeless. It is a message the United States can most definately use.
Clay, UNICEF is so lucky to have you as their Goodwill Ambassador. Your blog was not only informative, but also inspriing and full of hope. I hope UNICEF is able to take this opportunity to get your story out to the media so that more people can see the hope and promise that you saw there.
What a wonderful blog, so full of information and hope for the children of Afganistan. I hope that many people will read it and step up to the plate. I’m proud to be Clay fan.
Clay….you were not alone in making false assumptions about a country so far from home. You are a man of courage and determination who followed through on a commitment…the result being a wonderfully insightful trip and an awakening to a need that requires the world’s attention.
Many of your fans saw the “signs” of your trip’s destination…we remained silent, praying continually for your safety and the same for your traveling party. Your mission was accomplished and now the message is moving near and far, as the need is so great. I am honored to be in a position to support UNICEF, however small the donation.
Thank you, Clay, for opening my eyes to the beauty and hope in a land so far away. Don’t ever regret that your classroom is not traditional…Your influence is now limitless!!!
Clay,
Thank you so much for sharing with us.
I am so proud of you and for the way you reach out to others. You walk the walk definately.
We all need the heart of Christ as you have.
It’s wonderful to see someone use celebrity for a good cause. I’m espcially impressed at your honest appraisal of what you felt and saw in Afghanistan. I’m happy to help you reach your goal
Clay, I’m so proud of your work for Unicef, and you have my support. This is one of the reasons I believe that God put you where you are, to be a lot more than just a cute singer, to be a voice for the special needs kids in the U.S. and children all over the world.
I am very glad to read that part of the money donated to UNICEF is going towards programs to help young women better themselves. These young women can give back so much to their communities, and be an inspiration to the little girls that will follow them. I think that’s very important.
Clay, I applaud the work that you do for UNICEF–you just have a way of making people want to help. It’s a gift, really. Perhaps even more than your beautiful voice.
UNICEF chose well when they chose you.
Thank you for sharing your experience in Afghanistan. It was good to learn the despite the many year conflict that the country is full of promise and hope.
Clay, I still remember your comments from AI. You said you wanted to use your celebrity to help others. You have kept your word. We knew you would. Your fans are so proud of you. Your blog made many of us realize that we, too, knew little about the peoplecountry of Afganistan. I am proud to help you in your efforts for UNICEF.
When people see the faces of those in need who are foreign to them and in far away places, they sometimes cannot connect with their hearts. It is sort of like watching a movie — it does not seem real to them.
But now they see you, Mr. Aiken, someone familiar, someone they can relate to — and it brings the need into proper focus. Thank you so much for using your voice…more than that, for risking your own personal safety to demonstrate to others that you know first hand.
I am so happy to read an unbiased and apolitical perspective that really brings to light where our focus should be. The children really are the key to the future and hopefully one day all the beauty of that country will shine forth for all to see. It is a privilege to be a part of it. Keep up the good work and shout it from the mountaintops!!
What a great blog. I can picture Afghanistan through Clay’s words.
I hope this appeal for help is a great success.
Clay, if you read these comments I want you to know that I admire you for your strength, courage and steadfastness in making the world a better place.
Clay,
I wish I had a way with words that you do, your blog was so wonderful to read. As I read your blog and look at the pictures of you with those kids I see a man so full of love and compassion and it is a wonderful thing to see. Thank you for letting us see Afghanistan through your eyes, a country that is full of love, strength and hope.
I will reiterate what others have wrote …UNICEF chose well when they chose you.
Again, thank you Clay for ALL that you do. I am so very proud to suppport you in the cause.
Clay, What an inspiration you are!!!!!!!
I am very grateful for the opportunity to help through you because this issue would not have been in my radar at all without your efforts.
Heartfelt thanks to you and UNICEF for drawing attention to the needs of these children.
Bless you and UNICEF.
Dear Clay,
I hope you are proud of yourself…that you were asked by UNICEF! You should be proud of opening the eyes and hearts of those who otherwise would not see and feel what you have experienced. You should be proud of what you are accomplishing. What you have expressed has made my heart very full. You really are a special individual. It is wonderful that you have chosen to take this mission with UNICEF.
Thanks to UNICEF for choosing you as one of their ambassadors! They are so very lucky!
Thank you for sharing your amazing experience with us.
Seeing the pictures from your trip warms my heart. There is so much hope in those little faces. There really is so much more to be done and every one of us can make a difference.
Thanks, Clay, for your blog informing us about Afghanistan and awakening us about the plight of these proud people.
I pray for you and your family everyday. You are indeed a shining light in a world full of hate, envy, and destruction.
You have my support.
God bless.
Someone upstream posted that your blog was “unbiased and apolitical”. So true.
I found your comments so refreshing, real, and positive.
Thank you for the much needed dose of civility; and bravo to you and to UNICEF for the work done on behalf of the children of the world.
” The world is changing with you” I for one had a
fearful picture of Afganistan and the country.You open my eyes that inspite of cultural diferences ,and sometimes personality conflict, we are all just one needing love and support in this place called life. Thank you for your pure generosity and courage to go there and share your experiences
with how great the people are. You make me want to be a better person than I am and I am inspired and empowered by your story and will continue to support you in all your endeavor.
I grateful and thankful for you.
ER
Congratulations to U.S. Fund for Unicef for exceeding Clay Aiken’s goal of $100,000 in 10 days!
Clay
Once again you have used your voice. Your international fans are so very proud of you and your commitment to the cause…..
Thanks for reminding us to help others so desperately in need and in a remote place, forgotten by so many…
Love Kim x x
Congratulations on exceeding Clay’s goal of $100,000. We only have to raise a little over $60,000 to reach $200,000. I think we can do it!! UNICEF, please get this out to the media. People need to know what a fantastic ambassador Clay is, and what a great fund raiser he has become.
We “Claynadians” are so proud of you Clay.
I share your concern for the children of the world. Thank you for bringing this cause to so many.
P.S. Come up and see us sometime!
CONGRATULATIONS, CLAY!
We are so happy to be able to help support you and your wonderful causes! All of us are better people because of YOU!
I wonder how all of this makes you feel, knowing that you have so many people that love you and support you? :) I know you must be so proud, because I know that we are SO PROUD OF YOU!
We will support you and your causes until the day we die!!
JaneP
Clay
You are such a Godsend and may he walk with you
all the days of your life. You are a
God send to America because you are taking a place that has been depicted as a loss and opened our eyes to the fact that hope does exist in even the places we think are lost causes. We get so much disinformation in this country and are easy to give up before the job is done.
I pray your words travel everywhere and make people stop and think that no matter how black things may seem there is always a spark of light and hope that is just waiting to be ignited by the help and strength of
people that care and know the truth. All the people that read this just need to dig in their heels and do whatever we have to. Helping these
Countries is a blessing to the whole world
and the world needs lots of Blessings. We in this blessed country of ours have so much and we can do this if we put our mind to it.
So clay you keep on doing what you are doing
you have a gift for this. The saying Instead of cursing the darkness light a candle reminds me of you, you are our candle and you shed your light Clay, so one day we won’t be cursing the darkness.
I have always known that it wasn’t just your voice or your looks it was more in you then
that. You shine from with in clay, your beauty
is your love and caring for the children of this world.
God bless and keep you and all the children in all the places that are thought to be lost causes and may they all someday have a chance
to be free from fear and the opportunity to
learn so life can be better which can in turn
make our world a better place to live.
Clay: I’m very proud of your efforts to wake us all up to the needs of the chidren in Afghanistan and extremely proud to be able to support you and UNICEF in your endeavors. I have known from day 1 that your caring heart would bring joy and happiness to the world, not just by your magnificent voice, but by, as you constantly say, “using your voice” You sure are using that voice as a UNICEF Ambassador. So glad that you arrived home safely from your trip over there. We all felt that you were travelling to Afghanistan and our prayers were with you all the way. I’m sure that your goal will be doubled by the time the 10 days are up. God Bless you. Joan
Clay,
I am very sure the children in Afghanistan
are beaming with hope right now awaiting for something magical to happen. You drew a very beautiful picture of Afghanistan and its people. We never thought that there is beauty left in that once war-torn country.
We do appreciate you, Clay.
Thanks.
Clay,
Thank you for sharing so much with all of us about your Unicef trip to Afghanistan and focusing on the positive. You are so right that the media is so focused on the negative. Your positive fieldnotes bring a ray of sunshine into our lives to know that the people of Afghanistan are so thirsty for knowledge and education.
You are enlightening and blessed.
I am so glad that you have come into my life and taught me to “use my voice”!
Lillian
Clay,
Your report is so encouraging to me. It’s too easy to believe there’s no hope in countries such as Afghanistan. Most Americans won’t ever get the chance to find out for themselves if there is hope, and what the true story is apart from what we hear in the media. That’s why I appreciate your efforts with UNICEF so much. Someone like you can give us a different perspective and be a voice to let us know what ways we can help. Like you said in the press conference last week, Americans DO care. Thanks for giving us a chance to show that.
Debbie H.
Clay, it is amazing what people are willing to give when You ask. You are bringing these typs of issues to light for many people for the first time. We all know horrid conditions exsisted, but when you began to talk about and act upon the issues, you created a following. That following has raised over $100,000 in 7 days. I am proud that I am making my donation today. Have you ever thought about raising the bar? $100,000 was seeming no sweat. How about $500,000? It may take more than 7-10 days, but there are so many people that love to give and will rise to any challenge you put in front of them. Think what that money would do for all those children. We as avid fans, donate becuase you brought something you care deeply about to our attention, and in turn made us care as well. Thank You Clay.
God Bless
Lisa
Clay…it has been a honor to help you reach your goal in this very worthy endeavor.
Thank you for giving of yourself so willingly for those who need so much…and here’s hoping for $200,000.
Clay,
Wow, you are right. Things are not always as they appear. Sometimes they are and in this case, sometimes they are not. Thank you for sharing you experiences with us. I am sure that you changed the lives of every person that you met while you were there. They may not realize it now, but in the future they will. You have such a heart of compassion that I bet you had fun with the children. I also et that the teacher side of you took over and you were able to teach one of the classes.
So many people take school for granted. I think that those people need to hear about the schools there or see them to understand that we are the lucky ones. And I also think that we can learn from the children of Afghanistan. We can learn that we shouldn’t take anything for granted.
Thank you so much Clay. You have taught me so much. Of all of the teachers I have in the past, you are my favorite. Also, welcome home. I bet Ms. Faye is glad to have you home.
Sheri
Thank you, Clay, for taking the risk to visit Afghanistan and other countries where UNICEF is active. I’ve been a supporter of UNICEF most of my life, but your insightful and first-hand reports are new and very special to me. How nice that you noticed the people and the countryside, and that you looked for the hopeful and optimistic things as well as those that still need to be done.
I join Debbe H in thanking you, too, for speaking in support of us at home, and giving us a chance to prove that we do indeed care.
P.S. I’ve heard from overseas fans that your efforts to adhere to the traditional dress and emulate the customary greeting of Afghani men were “perfect” and much appreciated!
I am so Proud of you Clay for becoming a Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF and Helping the children of Afghanistan get the Education that they so Truly deserve. I Love you and God Bless you Clay Sweetness.
Julie
Hi all!
You are The Best!!!
G’night
Hi Clay!
I am a fourteen year old afghan girl and I live in Afghanistan. Fortunately, I have the privilege to go to an international school over here.
All I want to say is thank you for telling America about something different than what they hear on the news everyday. It really means alot to me that people like you care about Afghanistan and the people here.
I was aware of your visit to Afghanistan when you were there because you met my dad but unfortunately when I wanted to meet you, you had left the country. Maybe I will meet you in Afghanistan someday if you decide to pay another visit.
Once again thank you for sharing your view with America and maybe the rest of the world.
You Rock!
With Love
Meena
P.S: Nice beard!
Hi Clay…read again today your blog on Afghanistan….was especially touched by the blog from Meena….what joy her message must have brought to you! God bless you Clay…in abundance! May you walk with Him as He embraces you and our world with His love!
May God bless the USA and the World in which we abide! May His peace cover the Nations, and may the needs of people everywhere be met with assistance from those fortunate enough to help! We truly need one another!
Sandra