After lunch, we learned we were going to one of the schools to do a food distribution to some families from a nearby IDP camp. These are Afghans who have been displaced by civil war, persecution, or oppression and are living in tents. Most everything they own was destroyed or stolen leaving them literally with nothing. When you hear the expression "the poorest of the poor," these are those people.
Our host had prepared us by letting us know there wasn't enough food to distribute for all 450 families in the IDP camp so the elders of the camp were forced to choose who would receive food... and who would not. Only the 70 poorest families would receive food today. It was heart wrenching to think about the other 400 families that would NOT be receiving any aid today, but at least 70 families would survive for another month.
We stood before them as our team leader spoke and let them know about God's love for them - the reason behind our visit. All it took was a smile and eye contact with the children and their faces lit up so bright. We went family by family and helped distribute the food supplies to them - flour, beans, rice, sugar, tea, salt - about $50 worth of life-sustaining staples that would hopefully last about 45 days.
As we continued to humbly bring these supplies to each family, it seemed as though barriers were broken down and connections were made. The women and men thanked us continually. Smiles were exchanged and hands were held. You could see the gratitude in their eyes from this miniscule effort on our part and the impact it made. I will never forget the older lady who kept grabbing my hand and weeping as she said "Tashakur" (Thank You) over and over again.
We then had a brief period with the children, holding their hands, waving hello, taking a group photo, and laughing together - things I'm certain most have never done before.
It was incredibly humbling to stand there in front of the families as the elders thanked us for helping them. We waived goodbye and left in our cars. We couldn't stop the tears as we headed home and reflected on the day we had just experienced.
Our host had prepared us by letting us know there wasn't enough food to distribute for all 450 families in the IDP camp so the elders of the camp were forced to choose who would receive food... and who would not. Only the 70 poorest families would receive food today. It was heart wrenching to think about the other 400 families that would NOT be receiving any aid today, but at least 70 families would survive for another month.
We stood before them as our team leader spoke and let them know about God's love for them - the reason behind our visit. All it took was a smile and eye contact with the children and their faces lit up so bright. We went family by family and helped distribute the food supplies to them - flour, beans, rice, sugar, tea, salt - about $50 worth of life-sustaining staples that would hopefully last about 45 days.
As we continued to humbly bring these supplies to each family, it seemed as though barriers were broken down and connections were made. The women and men thanked us continually. Smiles were exchanged and hands were held. You could see the gratitude in their eyes from this miniscule effort on our part and the impact it made. I will never forget the older lady who kept grabbing my hand and weeping as she said "Tashakur" (Thank You) over and over again.
We then had a brief period with the children, holding their hands, waving hello, taking a group photo, and laughing together - things I'm certain most have never done before.
It was incredibly humbling to stand there in front of the families as the elders thanked us for helping them. We waived goodbye and left in our cars. We couldn't stop the tears as we headed home and reflected on the day we had just experienced.