Zatia: Day Two

Day two of our trip was a clinic for adults as well as children. The day dawned clear and bright, thank goodness. It would have been a real mess had it been raining. Col Abbas sent out some of soldiers early in the morning with fliers to let the local villages know about our clinic. We couldn't pass the word too early for fear of attracting bad guys. But not letting people know what we were doing reduces our outreach. I'm learning some real grassroots lessons about the role of government. Basic security is paramount, followed by the provision of basic services like health care, clean water and roads. Simple, but very difficult.

The Civil Affairs team with us was a big help. They've had lots of experience with this sort of thing. We got organized early and had Col Abbas address the folks about what we were doing and what to expect.

Little boys are the same the world over: hyperactive, mischievous little knuckleheads that you just can't help but like.

Just behind me and to the left in the picture is the Zatia Mall. It ain't the Mall of America I assure you.

This is one of the shops in the "mall" near the school.

Equal press for the girls of the village.

Mothers around the world are also the same: they want what's best for their kids. These ladies were a bit on the aggressive side earlier in the morning fearing they wouldn't get their kids seen. Maj Jaffer, Col Abbas' number two officer, was dealing with the ladies trying to keep them in control. They were wearing him out!!

My new buddy Akeel.

Another great day. The joy of helping is tempered by the knowledge that there was a lot we couldn't do. A father brought his adult son who appeared to be suffering from some mental health and/or development issues. His father clearly cared a great deal for the son and wanted to get him some help. We simply didn't have the resources for that kind of problem. One quickly learn to take the wins you can get and drive on.