PIETRO

Erase the word"should" from your vocabulary in thinking about what would be appropriate for the country or its planners. Aside from skills and information gathering methods, and making available contacts,etc., I would be cautious in the extreme in presuming that I could bring anything to a culture that I really know very little about. I'll call as soon as I can shake loose.

Jake

Dear Pietro,

Congratulations on such an intriguing and important opportunity. Also, I'm very happy for you in your new business with Alfred. I looked at your website and I think your services will be an important contribution to the Bay Area.

Unfortunately, I'm not sure I have much in the way of substantive contributions for your trek to Afghanistan. Remember that I resigned from SOM because I did not feel I could (or should) adequately develop city plans and policies for cultures that I know nothing about? I'm afraid that same sentiment applies here. I do not have a clue about what "should" occur to re-develop Afghanistan... especially at a time when Western values are not highly prized. While I believe you have a much better foundation in this area than me, as a friend, I urge you the same caution. And, I'd use this caution even when selecting "experts" to assist the Afghans. "Experts" from whose point of view? Afterall, I think the world is in the nasty state it's in partly because westerners have been stamping values all over the globe. Of course I know you understand this probably better than any of us and, because of that, I'm glad you're the man they asked. Just offering my opinion though.

Another opinion I must offer, and this is more in the line of fulfilling my duty as a "groom's (wo)man" at your wedding, Please be careful!! You now have a growing family. You will be travelling to a region of the world that does not presently love Americans. I'd worry if you were single, but now that you have a family depending upon you, I'm worrying even more. We all love you very much.

In writing this e-mail, I feel like I've transformed into Jake and am lecturing you. Sorry about that. I guess I've known him too long. Even if it doesn't sound like it, I am thrilled for you... the world is finally recognizing and valuing not only your talents, but your passions as well. You are being given a true gift to follow your heart. And Goodness knows, I support that.

Much Love,

-Cheryl.