Sorry to have gotten behind a bit, things get busy and before you know it, it's time for bed.
The week has gone so well. I am being reminded of how special the people here are and so encouraged to see the progress. There is still much to do, but God is answering prayers and showing again His faithfulness.
Last July, I accompanied the staff here out to the where a group of IDP's (internally displaced people) had been moved. 300 of the families were ones that we were very familiar with, from the time they were in tents in a field inside the city, then to a bombed out building and now we were headed outside the city to a desert field. When we arrived, I was overwhelmed by how much worse their situation was. How can things be worse for you if you are already homeless, jobless and your kids struggle to have a consistent educational opportunity? I had so looked forward to seeing them again, but as we drove up to the camp, I was so discouraged I hoped they would not come out to greet us and we could quietly slip away. But sweet friends did make their way across the open dirt field.
The elders told me how they ate dirt all day because of the wind. Their 'homes' caused them pain - the plastic tents were like ovens in the day. Their kids had no hope of attending school, with each sentence it seemed to get worse and worse. They thanked us for finding them way out there and asked us to continue to pray for them. We and many others have been praying for them.
I would like to happily share that when we went on Tuesday, I could not believe my eyes! They have a water system, many families have built a 2 room, mud brick house, their kids have their own school (meeting in a tent for the moment, but everyday classes), a mobile medical clinic, are participating in a survey of the community and I saw several people volunteering at the clinic, school and with the survey. It was like I was really walking through an established village. The kids were running around and coats that were provided by our friends at Flatirons and seemed so much happier. The elders told us that they are so thankful and they seemed to even look younger! I cannot imagine the burden they must feel when they know the needs of the their people and had no advocate, no resources, etc. I have always been impressed with their desire and commitment to doing things for themselves and their hope that people will come alongside and equip them for sustaining their community themselves.
There is funding from a family in Colorado for the permanent clinic building, but until we can get that up - a family from the village has given their home for seeing patients and securing the pharmacy. When they were asked if they would like some stipend for using their home, they were emphatic that with all that is being done to help their people - they need to give back. It was awesome to meet the woman who volunteers everyday cleaning, signing patients in and any thing else that needs to be done. I asked her what the clinic means to her and what have been the most helpful things for the families there. She said that they have never had health care offered. Their kids have never been part of a vaccination program, and the clinic has already saved the lives of women after childbirth. She smiled and said through the translator that the clinic represents life to them. It is easy for us to take our medical options for granted, but when you are looking into the face of people who have not had ANY option, you start counting your blessings.
As we walked around, I was just in awe. I saw some kids with hats on that had been made by a middle school aged girl from Boulder. I felt overwhelmed this visit in such a positive way. For those of you who are reading this and have prayed, financially given, been part of a team that demonstrated the love of Jesus, to all of you that will pray in the future - thank you! On behalf of kids who can go to school, moms that have a place to take their sick kids, elders who can actually think about the future... thank you!
