John Morton and two MSIA ministers, Holly Engelman and David Morton, are traveling in Pakistan and Afghanistan doing humanitarian aid work for Wheels for Humanity in collaboration with the Pakistan Islamic Medical Association (PIMA). Through email, John has been able to send us brief messages about his travels.
Received from John Morton on the night of January 24
“This will be brief as I’m about to leave for the Karachi Airport in Pakistan to fly to London and then onto Los Angeles.
I stayed the night in Pakistan at the home of Dr. Saiyed Ehsanullah, the man who I earlier referred to as a cross between Mahatma Gandhi and Henny Youngman which still stands. He is also known as Dr. Freddie (when he was educated and trained medically in London one of his colleagues decided to call him Freddie because that was easier to pronounce, and due to something about Freddie and the Dreamers for those who know that bit of 60’s nostalgia). They have been the perfect hosts and have a beautiful and quaint home with a lovely garden including hundreds of cactus plants. I have very much enjoyed meeting his family including 7 children. We had some lively discussion across cultures and points of view. They laugh when I tell them of the worry for our welfare as they consider their country very safe and hospitable. That has certainly been our experience, even though yesterday on my drive from Chaman to Quetta we likely encountered at least 10 official stops by various police and military. When they would ask about me, since I obviously didn’t look like I was from the neighborhood, I noted their delight and surprise upon hearing that I was from America.
I opened up the Microsoft Internet Explorer news and read the first headline story about the Governor of Kandahar, Gul Agha, addressing a rally of some 5,000 supporters of Democracy. I’m still learning the names so I’m not sure, but I think that he visited us at our PIMA lunch in Kandahar. We were visited by an important local official who we were told was breaking away from his pressing schedule to greet us. It’s on videotape so perhaps we will know for sure.
David Morton and Holly Engelman are still staying in Chaman in order to at last begin distributing wheelchairs in the camps, clinics and hospitals in and near Chaman, Spin Boldak and Kandahar. The official red tape and logistics have kept this operation on hold. But we were told that today the wheelchairs and other relief supplies would be available. Your prayers and Light are a continuous support. David was especially experiencing nausea and general weakness. Holly has been dealing with a recurring cough.
I am full of good experience and compassion as I leave Pakistan and Afghanistan. I am sure you share this in your heart of hearts.”
Click here to watch a Moment of Peace with John Morton in Afghanistan
Click here to read David & Holly’s report from Karachi on January 29
Click here to read Holly & David’s report from Kandahar on January 28
Click here to read Holly & David’s report from Pakistan on January 26
Click here to read Further Observations on Pakistan & Afghanistan by John Morton
