An Afghan soldier wakes up atop his armored vehicle following an overnight mission with soldiers of the US Army's 27th Infantry Regiment in Shigal, Kunar province.
The year of wandering is not a manifestation of aimlessness, but of aspiration, and that in its ferment and uncertainty youth is often guided to and finally prepared for its task.
Migrating animals maintain an intense attentiveness to the greater mission, which keeps them undistracted by temptations and undeterred by challenges that would turn other animals aside.
"I don't wish to demean you," I said to the strange boy. "however, can you explain why an important delegate like you would need to steal so many expensive chocolates for such a mission?"
The re is no shortage of sceptics, both about the sincerity of Pepsi's social mission and, more recently, its performance, which was decidedly flat in 2009.
It was a voice never raised in command to a servant or reproof to a child but a voice that was obeyed instantly at Tara, where her husband's blustering and roaring were quietly disregarded.