Third World Orphans

Greetings all,



Today's adventure has left me perplexed and searching for clues to my feelings. After playing an early afternoon gig, we set out with a small group to a local orphanage to interact and feed the children.

Leaving the base gave us an immediate taste of the third world. Absolutely unbelievable conditions. While we as Americans create much more waste than Djiboutians could ever dream of, we are proficient at hiding our garbage in landfills. This is not an option here- neither is adequate housing or infrastructure. From what I've been able to gather, however, this is the perfect use of our military capabilities- working to make a better life for those less fortunate. Again, cynicism may make me question the big picture, but the immediate benefits to the local population is significant. I had a lengthy conversation with a Sea Bee who will spend her next 6 months building schools, wells, and other relevant structures in Ethiopia. If the bi-product of preventing an extremist terrorist climate is a better life, I am all for it.

My musician side was finally satisfied when we heard the call to prayer at a local mosque. This was an experience I had hope to gain, and today didn't disappoint.

Ironically, the traffic both here and in Kuwait sent chills deeper than convoys, rocket attacks and mortars ever could. Wow. Los Angeles traffic is tame, comparatively speaking.

Upon arrival to the orphanage (Franciscan orphanage), the scene became absolutely overwhelming- so many children, so few staff members to manage. How they function without the assistance of the volunteer American military members and French/Russian contractors is beyond me.

The first two children I picked up happened to be special needs- both were unable to sit up, let alone walk. Feeding was incredibly challenging, and battling the flies was exhausting. I was able to take a few pictures but even the brief video I shot will not do justice to our experience. While I want to say our time at the orphanage was beautiful, I was left feeling unfulfilled. I know the tactile experience the children felt from our company is beneficial and necessary, I only wish there was more I could do for them... and orphans everywhere. A completely humbling experience, to say the least.

Again, I need to let the experience sink in.

We are off to a village in the morning somewhere near the border. The marines are escorting us, but somehow, despite my non-weapon-toting tendencies, there is an apprehension that comes with traveling sans body armor and weapons in areas known to have Al-Qaeda influence. I suppose it is for those very reasons we are unarmed, approachable, and bringing our music and good will to their villages.

This leg of our trip is a completely different experience and much more thought provoking. More to come in the future.

J-