The following are emails from Scott Cunningham (WCAS '08):

There is an Egyptian hospital nearby that specializes in treating children who have somehow been victimized by the activities in the area. Most are orphaned. Some have lost limbs via land mines, which are still littered throughout the area from the Afghan-Soviet war. Even the fortunate children that are healthy have a shockingly difficult life. They live in mud huts with no water, electricity or heat. The wealthy families usually have a few goats or sheep that need to be herded to grazing areas daily. The job of herding falls on the young girls (10-12 years old). This is because the fertile grazing areas are in the middle of clearly marked mine fields.

One boy has been in the ICU for three weeks now. His picture shows that he is now missing his right hand. He is also missing a leg. When I first visited him he was virtually lifeless. He had stitches running all over his body. He could not lift his left hand to grab the toy car I gave him. I wondered if he would even make it. Today he was full of life. His strength is back. He saw me and immediately used his remaining hand to pull himself upright. He received a few extra items just because. His favorite; a tennis ball. Thank all of you so much for the gifts you continue to send. Please send more if you are able. We are stocked high on coloring books and crayons. We could use more balls, Dollar Store stuffed animals, kites and clothing. Kites are to kids here what a PSP3 and 50 games are to kids back home. Clothing can be anything useable for toddlers up to small adults.

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