afghanistan: february, 22th

We were getting ready to head home at about 8 PM when we received a call from the emergency room. Two new patients just in; one with a bullet wound and the other with a shrapnel wound. Both were in stable condition, but had 7-day old injuries. We arrived to face a chilling surprise.

Two children, brothers, were seated there with a badly wounded hand each; wrapped in bloodied bandages. The older 7 year old Majeed Gul was missing a finger on his right hand. His younger 5 year old brother Ghami was missing a finger on his left hand. Both were too exhausted and frightened to whine about pain.

Their father, an enormous man, was only able today to make the long and dangerous journey out of Marjah to bring his two sons to our hospital. Totally worn out, he’ll also be staying the night since it is already dark outside.

His children, along with all the many others with bandages covering various parts of their bodies, will receive the care they need in a clean environment by a well-trained professional staff. Hopefully being here will lessen at least some of the horrors they’ve endured this past week.

Matteo, Laskar-gah