Day 393: Election Day

Today, was Afghanistan's election day. In a country that has been struggling to be an independent, self-sustaining nation, and a government that is trying to give the power to the people, there is an obvious importance in the success of this national election. For us Americans, a typical election day is a short walk or drive to a local polling place, votes are cast electronically, you get a nice sticker that says "I Voted", and we are back home in time for dinner. Here in Afghanistan, people cast their vote at the risk of losing their life as anti-Afghan forces will stop at nothing to instill fear in the people and defy the Afghan government through direct attacks on districts where voting is taking place.

An Afghan Police Officer stands watch at a polling place

President Karzai on the campaign trail


Local polling place monitors, moving ballot boxes

For us Americans forward deployed in Afghanistan, we also are on high alert during election day as American bases are also targeted during this critical period. And what do you know...in the last 24 hours, we've been attacked 3 times! Glad to report that no one was hurt, but it just reminds me that there is still much to be done.

Our Election Day Bunker

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
Will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say to the LORD, "My refuge and my fortress,
My God, in whom I trust!"
Psalm 91:1,2 NASB