Not all of our missions give me the chance to meet with excited kids wanting gifts. On this mission I was lucky enough to go to a Tuberculosis (TB)/Drug rehab clinic. Why these two are linked, I don't know. Apparently opium is very addictive for those infected with TB. Anyway, the doctors here are requesting an expansion and they wanted an engineering assessment. Don't worry, Mom. The Afghans provided me with this protective mask. I'm sure it's legit. I've come to find the Afghans treat us like Santa. They ask us for anything and everything. With the help of an Afghan project selection committee, we have an elaborate checklist to decide if we'll move forward with any of their requests. Remember, we're trying to work ourselves out of a job here by empowering Afghan nationals in decision making. After seeing this place I think it could definitely use some improvements. I'm not a doctor, but seriously. 1232 AD called. They want their medical technology back.
9 comments:
Hi Drew Bear,
Or should I say Santa Bear? I hope you can give them some help. Love seeing that patch on your arm - we're lucky to live in the United States. We're proud of you Drew- keep up the good work and stay safe. In our prayers,
Mamma Bear
Hey honey-
Looks like sanitizer will be the next thing I send over in a care package. Watch those TB germs. I'm very proud of the work you are doing and I miss you!
Love, Aud
Hey Drew,
Can you bring back some TB bodily fluid samples for testing? Just kidding, some (poor) infectious disease scientist humor, those samples are gold in the US;-)
Miss having you in Portland, Glen's AUTOCAD yells just don't have the same weight:-)
~Olivia
Hi Andrew,
Yikes, what are you going to do next? You certainly are asked to wear a lot of different hats... and face masks! Please be careful. We love and miss you.
~Mom
Hey Wyatt Earp, looks like you're about to unholster that pistol. "You gonna skin that smoke-wagon or whistle dixie?"
Make sure you get your shots after visiting that place...
Hi Andrew. It sounds like you had to refer to the Afgan committee checklist first to see if you could even give the clinic doctors your engineering assissment of their expansion request. Is this a "catch-22" situation? Is that your "done-at-midnight-with-no-lights-on" haircut or the standard military freebee? Remember, we love you unconditionally!
Uncle Drew, you are our HERO! We love you and think you are doing an amazing job! Love your nephews, Jake & Ryan (oh, our mommy and daddy send their love as well)....
Hey, Don't listen to Dad! You're very handsome and your hair looks just fine. He's a little envious of your locks, since he's losing his! Love you, Mom
Hey Drew,
I just got caught up with reading your blog. Love the punch line regarding the not so modern medical technology. It's so true. 3rd world countries do it different. One of the hospitals I visited in South Africa had open air operating theatres. You could watch people having surgery through holes in the wall...not so sterile environment.
Be Safe. Happy New Year!
P.S. You ROCK the man-dress.Give up your jeans now.
Erin
Post a Comment