They "bling" out everything from tractors to trucks
A traditional bathroom...yeah, I think I'll hold it
My workplace for the next six monthsAnother day has gone by in the world of Afghanistan. I say world because at times it feels like we stepped into a time machine and ended up in a different world. We are trying to do our best in a place that is totally foreign to us in every sense of the word. Judging by the look on the Afghan people’s faces they feel the same when we try to explain how things are in the states. From complex things like handling a trauma to something simple like picking up a broom in the hospital hallway the level of difficulty seems to register the same. I guess it could be worse. I could be in a kindergarten level map reading class like some Lt. I know. That’s right bunkie, I’m talking about you. Before I get too ahead of myself I need to explain my staff that I work with.
In the states pharmacy school is a very daunting task to accomplish. It takes a certain level of intellect and a great deal of determination. Here you just have to know the right people. One of my “pharmacists” was enlisted and not a pharmacist last year. This year he is a major AND a pharmacist. He comes from a wealthy family. He hasn’t produced any documentation, but I’m sure that is just as easy to procure. He is my problem child at the moment. He insists that this country will never change and we are wasting our time. I have to remind myself about the history of this war torn country and not take it personally. I didn’t travel thousands of miles leaving my family at home so I could come and get a door closed in my face. I’m sure it will be the first of many. My predecessor explained his trials and tribulations to me and explained you just have to keep kicking them down if they don’t open up. I can do that. When it comes to expectations I told my staff I have one word: progress. I will accept nothing less.
The rest of my staff consists of a couple nurses that were assigned to the pharmacy by their commander and a few more legitimate pharmacists. A few of them are on board with the vision we are trying to create. Hopefully they can help me persuade my problem child. If not it could be an even longer six months than expected. Damn dry country!
In the states pharmacy school is a very daunting task to accomplish. It takes a certain level of intellect and a great deal of determination. Here you just have to know the right people. One of my “pharmacists” was enlisted and not a pharmacist last year. This year he is a major AND a pharmacist. He comes from a wealthy family. He hasn’t produced any documentation, but I’m sure that is just as easy to procure. He is my problem child at the moment. He insists that this country will never change and we are wasting our time. I have to remind myself about the history of this war torn country and not take it personally. I didn’t travel thousands of miles leaving my family at home so I could come and get a door closed in my face. I’m sure it will be the first of many. My predecessor explained his trials and tribulations to me and explained you just have to keep kicking them down if they don’t open up. I can do that. When it comes to expectations I told my staff I have one word: progress. I will accept nothing less.
The rest of my staff consists of a couple nurses that were assigned to the pharmacy by their commander and a few more legitimate pharmacists. A few of them are on board with the vision we are trying to create. Hopefully they can help me persuade my problem child. If not it could be an even longer six months than expected. Damn dry country!
Keep kicking those doors down! :) You can do it. It's got to be hard for them as war is almost a constant, from the Soviets to the Taliban to now. It's difficult to see progress when you have no hope. Keep up the good work. Hopefully someday they will believe in change again too. All you can do is try your best to leave it better than you found it. Take care!
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