Dayna: We want readers to see what the lives of the Afghan people are like. We also want people to see the power of prayer. God granted us his favor, protected us, and we are able to tell our story today because so many people prayed.

Heather: The funds generated by the book and our speaking engagements will go toward rebuilding Afghanistan. We were overwhelmed by the needs when we were there, and so we are excited we will have some resources [with which] to go back and help the people in a greater way.

Was your real purpose in going to Afghanistan to convert people to Christianity?
We certainly hoped we would have opportunities to share about Jesus with those who were interested. Jesus turned our lives upside down in a way that brought us enormous joy and hope. Of course we wanted to share this with others. …But the word "convert" does not accurately reflect our intentions; it implies something vaguely manipulative, even dishonest. What we wanted to do was serve the Afghan people because we felt God had put a special love for them in our hearts. If the Afghans asked us, "Why are you doing this? Why did you leave your good life in America and come to this place?" we wanted them to know: "Because God utterly changed our lives and healed our broken hearts with his love. He loves you that much and has a purpose for your life, too."

Why couldn't you just accept that the Afghans were Muslims and keep your faith in Jesus to yourselves?
We respect Muslims—their devotion to prayer and desire to be fully submitted to God are remarkable. In addition, Christians could learn a great deal from the Afghans' unflagging commitment to hospitality. At the same time, we believe the Afghans—like all people—should at least have the opportunity to hear about the teachings of Christ if they choose. Do the Afghans not have a right to study other religions if they wish and make decisions about matters of faith for themselves?

What are misconceptions the public has about your story?
That we were in Afghanistan only to share our faith. When we decided to go to Afghanistan, we really didn't think we would be able to share our faith that much. Actually we were expecting we wouldn't get to share. We were there to meet the very real needs of the poor, and worked hard to set up programs to help them.

What are some of the misconceptions Americans have about the Afghan people or the Taliban?
Dayna: That Afghans all have a warlike nature. At the least, the women are not like that. Most of the people hate war and don't want anything to do with it. They want peace.

Heather: When we share our stories and explain that Afghans love Americans and want to come to America, listeners are surprised. People don't realize that Afghans are very kind, hospitable people who value friendship and family.

So you want to go back to Afghanistan after what you went through?
Heather: We both have it in our hearts to go back. The Afghanistan chapter of our lives is not over yet.

What has become of aid work in Afghanistan?
Dayna: I've heard there are more than two thousand new organizations registered to go into Afghanistan. Because of the war, the needs there have been brought to the forefront. Under Taliban rule, it was harder to get into the country, and aid agencies had to fight all the time against Taliban restrictions and demands. With the new government, aid agencies can make real progress.

What would you see yourselves doing if you go back, and how would it be different this time?
Dayna: I would want to help with the nutrition needs of children and help teach women to read and write. It also would be wonderful not to have to hide or feel afraid when interacting informally with Afghans. The people are so friendly, and under a new government, we would have more freedom to invite Afghans into our home and go into their homes.

Upon your return, some people interpreted your comments as being very easy on the Taliban. Is that fair?
Dayna: Some of the Taliban were very kind to us, especially two of them–they treated us like sisters. But these men were not what we would consider real Taliban. Some Afghans were part of the Taliban just to have a job, while others were real believers. Some of the men saw that we were there in Afghanistan to help the people, and they appreciated that and were kind.

Heather: The Taliban we were with never tried to hurt us physically, they tried to take care of us. They could have been brutal, but they were not. Some among them became our friends. The Taliban behaved unjustly toward us at times, however, and in dealing with us they employed psychological mind games. Even so, I have forgiven the Taliban for the injustices they committed against us, and I am thankful the regime can no longer oppress the Afghan people.