Open Hands

6 days ago
2 min read

One of the blessings that we receive as we visit in the camp, or as we give our vegetables and clothes to new homes, is “May your head always be covered with oil” and “May your hands always be open.”

My thoughts, of course, go to Psalm 23 in recollection of how the head of the sheep would be smothered in oil as a protective measure. We value that blessing. “May your hands always be open” so that we can give. Yes, and amen to that. Freely we have received; freely give.

Last week we shared how tight finances are, and then came the call for help from our brothers in the Rojava region of Syria. A cry for help. And we said yes, very much in the spirit of Anne Frank: “No one has ever become poor by giving.”

So when asked by the Government of Duhok whether we could purchase basic dry goods, diapers, and female sanitary products for them to take over the border, we immediately responded with a YES.

A truckload was dispatched on Sunday. We are also working on sending a delegation into the Rojava with the next Government protocol.

We have remained in touch with a lady from the region who fled a few years ago, only to return. The updates on needs and photos are from her.

Thank you for your care for my people.

I will give you an update on the urgent needs. Everyone is living either in schools, mosques, or event halls. Girls have been taken for slavery very similar to your people.

The displaced are from Raqca, Tabaqa, Afrin, and Hasaka.

They are taking refuge in Qamishli, Terba Sebi, and Derk. The babies and young children, along with the elderly and sick (heart, diabetes, and chronic diseases), are at the highest risk.