Eid

Muslims are celebrating one of the Eids, or holidys, on their calendar. This one observes the time of the annual Hajj, the once-in-a-lifetime pilgrimage to their holiest city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia. This Eid has a focus on charity, one of the 5 pillars of Islam. Any who can afford it will purchase a farm animal (anything from a kid up to a camel) which is sacrificed, butchered and some of the meat distributed to the poor. Our medical team collected enough for the hospital to purchase a sheep, and the resulting food will be distributed to the housekeepers of the hospital. We also brought over some of the abundant donations from support organizations in the US. We gathered to share chai (tea) with them, enjoy some goodies, and present the donation for the sheep purchase to the director of the hospital. We also provided an Afghan-flag-logo backpack with treats and school supplies to each person on staff at the hospital. All Afghans have extended families who can put the supplies to good use. Shown is my roomie Don presenting a backpack to one of the soldiers assigned to the hospital. We are now off for 4 days during the holiday.