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Why I go to Afghanistan

I landed back in California after another successful trip to Kabul, Afghanistan and could not stop thinking of all the smiles I encountered the past two weeks. The excitement of spending time at our hospital, visiting with the Afshar staff who work tirelessly every day, interacting with patients and experiencing the results of all our hard work here in the U.S. makes these trips worthwhile! The most common question I am asked when I tell others about these trips is, “Why would you go there?  Isn’t it dangerous?”

The truth is Afghanistan is not the safest place in the world to visit. To help ensure my safety, I leave my hotel each morning at different times and take different routes so that my travel is completely unpredictable.  The time and route back home is even more varied since there are many more cars and people on the road. Kidnapping an American for ransom is a very lucrative business and of course, I would like to avoid being considered a piece of merchandise. This is not a “bucket list” adventure.

When I am there, my life gets turned upside down completely and I lose personal freedoms. I am not allowed to walk to places by myself or even grocery shop without a male escort. Driving is completely out of the question. There are just two English speaking TV channels, electricity is unreliable and the internet is slow. So why in the world do I look forward to going to Afghanistan and come back smiling?

Davena talking with a nurse at Afshar Hospital

Health education is essential at Afshar Hospital.

In the last 40 years, the Afghan people have been through war, under Taliban rule, and under occupation.  There has been little formal education for men and women during that time.  Every family without exception has had family members, close friends and loved ones shot, blown up or imprisoned. For over three generations, there has been no peace from day to day, only fear about what horrible thing will happen today and who will suffer. The lack of security, constant struggle to live a normal day, and constant fear of losing a loved one is exhausting!

Fortunately AMOR, Afshar Hospital, and our Community Outreach clinics have provided healing, education and a place where compassion and hope have been consistently provided for many years. Our programs are relied upon by the poorest and our employees are trusted to do what is right and fair for each patient, no matter who they are, where they come from, or their ability to pay.

Davena meeting with a happy couple and their newborn daughter.

Encountering a happy couple thankful for their daughters health.

So, to answer the question, “Why do I go to Afghanistan?” I want to spend hours telling people, it is seeing our doctors and staff at work that drives me to go back. It is hearing the stories of hope from the people of Afghanistan. It is experiencing the very real impact that restoring dignity, empowering the disenfranchised, and providing an opportunity for a better life for thousands of children and their families that keeps me excited about going back. The unbelievable sense of living a life with purpose that almost overwhelms me each time I go is quite frankly priceless!

-Davena Witcher
Executive Director-AMOR

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Mendota, California USA

Kabul, Afghanistan

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