Day 109: Faces

Just like a picture is said to be "worth a thousand words", so is a face. After putting together another free local national clinic, I felt that today was different. Actually, a "good" different. As Americans fighting the war in Afghanistan, we are trained to conduct humanitarian missions always with an "ANA face". In other words, we do all the leg work then step aside and allow the ANA soldiers to hand out the goodies, and the ANA doctors/medics to be the frontline providers of medical care. When I say "leg work", I am really referring to all of the donated medicines, vitamins, clothing, toys, and school supplies from the generous households, churches, & organizations back home. We are all in this fight against terrorism!


During the last several local clinics, I noticed a very relaxed and unmotivated group of Afghan soldiers and medics standing around, and not really seeing the value in interacting with their own countrymen. But, today was a vast improvement. The doctors and medics were proactive in checking people in, and addressing their medical concerns. The soldiers of the security force were holding the children's hands, and helping them with their overloaded goodie bags. It was a very heart-warming site to see and an ANA "face" that I hope the children will associate with peace and security:)

An ANA soldier handing the boy a teddy bear!

A soldier showing a local boy how to read a calendar

Some of the "faces" of the Afghan National Army (ANA)

For many of us who are Christians, we are the face of a living and loving God. We can be the "face" of hope, compassion, service, and love in world that is war-torn from sin.

...for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.
I Samuel 16:7 KJV