Boredom and an Imagination = FUN

Another beautiful day in Afghanistan. Today we had clinic and we are getting to have quite a crowd on clinic days. We now not only treat women but we have men lining up to be treated by the clinic girls. We had a pregnant woman come in who fell down a flight of stairs the other day. She is 8 months along and it made her go into early labor. We weren't able to stay for the delivery but we gave her tons of newborn items to take home with her. As usual they were so thankful for the generosity of the Americans.

At Thursday's clinic we saw one of our "regulars," she likes to bring new people in for us to look at. I made a comment about one of her rings that she was wearing. It was really pretty, almost antique looking. For thanks for all that we have done for her and the locals, she gave me the ring. I felt horrible taking it but she insisted. It's just a cheap ring but it means the world because they have nothing and she is giving one of her valued possessions to me - warms my heart every time.

In other news, they tracked down all our mail and I received 10 boxes today! It was awesome. And as usual, I am amazed at the outpouring of generosity from everyone. I got HUGE boxes of clothes and school supplies from my boss and co-workers, and a box of baby clothes from my cousin. I can't wait to hand these items out, especially the toddler shoes that were in one of the boxes, they will be a HUGE hit out here. None of the kids wear shoes and we during the summer a lot of them come into the clinic with infections from stepping on dirty needles (there is no such thing as a garbage dump here) and other sharp objects.

Today was also Ang's birthday. So to celebrate we had a cookout and had a cake for her. While we were sitting around chit chatting, I came up with the brilliant and ingenious idea of playing glow-in-the-dark volleyball. Needless to say it turned into a laughing fest as we coated the ball with glow-in-the-dark sticks and lined the volleyball court with glow-sticks. We were all covered in the glow-in-the-dark liquid. It reminded me of Miss Congeniality where they play the drums and get covered in the glow-in-the-dark paint. It was so much fun. I guess this is what happens when you get totally bored and are stuck in the middle of nowhere - you come up with ways to amuse yourself.

Hope everyone is doing well and once again THANKS for all that everyone has sent. Myself, the clinic girls, and the locals appreciate it more than you could ever know!!