Note From Herat: Thank You Friends

Signpost at Herat. The medical staff is multi-national.

I didn't post anything about The Hub's recent deployment, mainly because his internet connection never worked and we spoke sporadically. But there was one thing that happened in the middle of his tour.
He sent me an email asking for supplies for the children.
Since so many readers and Facebook friends wanted to know what they could do, I told them of the need.

Giving is a beautiful thing, my friends put themselves out for children they would never see or know.  And they did this --from coast to coast.  They sent supplies as individuals, and also in groups.  In fact, one group sent a box. The Hubs sent them a thank-you letter and they responded by sending him 17 more.

So I wanted to share this excerpt from a snail mail letter that I received the day before he arrived back here in the U.S. He mailed in 26 May. I received it in July.  Some of my friends received thank-you letters, but he didn't have time to send them to everyone. So this one is addressed to me and all of you.

"Thank you for all the stuff. I have a mountain of packages stacked in my room, so you can (please) tell everyone they can hold off on the candy and school supplies. I found a tiny clinic run by the Albanians near the entry post (they do all the security because they are so tough). It is over-run with moms and kids every day.

If people want to keep sending stuff, OTC pediatric medications, vitamins (small bottles of 30 only, the ones in large bottles somehow melt) and fortified powdered milk in cans are always running short. Also laser-jet photographic paper and blank DVDs and CDs are good. The patients like to take some pictures home of the hospital or themselves, and right now we are just printing it on paper. We are stocked up on the rest of the supplies for now!

All of us appreciate everyone's generosity, their thoughts and gifts. You are all truly part of the effort and we appreciate your support."

As you know, he's back. If people want to send things, I will work to get the name of the head of the clinic to email her to see how they are with inventory. Just let me know.