A Christmas Card from Governor Phil Bredesen 12/18/2006 Download more information now Governor Phil Bredesen renewed a personal tradition by again painting the artwork for the First Couple's Christmas card. The art featured on this year's card is taken from a 16" by 20" oil on canvas, titled "Afghan Girl." In March 2006, Bredesen traveled to the Middle East to visit Tennessee troops serving in the region. During a visit to a school outside Kabul, Afghanistan, he met the young girl depicted in this painting. The Governor was inspired by her, and by the many Afghan people he met on his tour. The First Couple extends holiday greetings to all Tennesseans, wishing them the joy and goodwill that are universal to people of all faiths. Text from the First Couple's Christmas Card: I met the teenage girl depicted in this painting in March of this year at a primitive school on the Shamali Plains Road outside of Kabul, Afghanistan. Until recently, under the Taliban, education was forbidden to her. She is now learning to read, and on the day I visited, was studying geography. While it may seem odd to put a portrait of a young Muslim woman on a Christmas card, this Season reminds us that He loves His children most of all. May the miracle of Christmas help bring peace and hope to this young woman and her wounded land. -Phil Bredesen Christmas 2006