Andrew Doudna
Flash Memoir - Mongolia
When I was young, I had a “helper” attitude. I strived to donate my time and energy in making the lives of others better. Granted this put me at a disadvantage of having a childhood full of friends and memories, I knew that one day I would have accomplishments I could be proud of. Upon completing High School I joined the Army with one goal, to help those in dire situation get the help they need. Upon enlisting, there was only one occupation that stood out to me, becoming a carpenter and mason specialist.
After completing basic training and Advanced Individual Training, I was sent to my duty station in Hawai’i. Being on island for only a week, I heard talks about a mission to Mongolia to build a hospital and helping the community create a park. I conducted research about the poverty and living situation that the Mongolians undergo and requested that I be sent with our platoon to conduct this mission. With only a few days until the platoon left, I received my orders and knew I was going.
The International Fund for Agricultural Development reports that the average income for a rural household in Mongolia is only 1,870 USD, which is a very small fraction of what Americans make per year (Rural Poverty in Mongolia, 2010). This was clearly seen when I stepped off the plane when landing in the capital of Ulaanbaatar. The tiny airport was surrounded by beautiful green rolling hills; the roads barely had enough room for two cars to pass each other, and no power lines to be seen.
We left the airport in fifteen small vans, with drivers that never spoke. The bumpy, uneven roads gave me the feeling of being on a boat swaying left and right. About 10 miles from the airport, we turned onto a dirt road and there came into view our project side; a 100’ by 85’ foundation that was made of rock and the hardest type of clay you could think of. Surrounding the foundation was 10 Mongolian huts made of sheep skin and had beautiful drawings all around it. The locals of this place were very friendly and excited to see us, to see help, to see their future.
There was one small kid, perhaps 6 years old that was so happy to see us. He would play football with us, and even help us with our tools if needed. His grandmother, who was his caretaker, made us Mongolian delicacies and food. It was amazing to see how poverty stricken these people were, and yet they were so happy.
After three months of leveling the ground, building the hospital and beautifying the area, we finally completed the project. It was time to leave Mongolia, never to return again to them. Even though I left that day, I know a piece of me will always be there, with them, helping them survive.
