Just like in ancient times, Jordan is a land of refuge and peace. The spirit of this land is calming and soothing. The people are very friendly and hospitable.
Jordan currently is host to nearly 1,700,000 refugees from Syria. Some refugees have integrated into the local society and live with family or friends. Many others live in refugee camps. We have been humbled by the goodness and welcoming spirit of the people here as they try to help the overwhelming numbers of people pouring into their country.
The people living in refugee camps are in dire need of hygeine kits and winter clothing. LDS Charities has partnered with the General Union for Voluntary Service to distribute hygeine kits and winter clothing to the refugees as well as to needy Jordanian families. It is estimated that over 10,000 people will benefit from this project.
Today we went to the town of Mafraq which is close to the Syrian border, for the distribution ceremony of the clothing and kits. One of the refugee camps is located near Mafraq and there has been some unrest in the area so we were not allowed to go to the actual distribution. The ceremony brought national leaders and the press to a place called the "Hope Center" which is also a school for disabled children.
Just a sidelight--the drive to Mafraq was lovely. Large stone houses surrounded by olive groves dotted the countryside. The road was good and there were no signs of any problems. Just peaceful people living their lives with their families.
At the Hope Center donations were stacked in big piles waiting for the local societies to pick them up. The clothing was organized by size and customized for specific families.
The disabled children in the Hope Center were the first ones to receive the warm clothing.
Ron Hammond gave a speech which was translated by President Amer.
Children doing the "happy dance"
Lunch was Jordanian food
Lunch was Jordanian food
This woman dressed in black and her daughter (or granddaughter)? were standing outside the Center after the ceremony. Both looked shell shocked. They couldn't smile and their eyes were full of pain. Someone said they were Syrian refugees. It was very difficult to connect with them. All we knew what to do was to hug them and say "God bless you."
Four Jordanian policemen were in attendance and escorted us out of town, just to make sure we were okay. No problems.
In the next week or so, this interview was played on Jordanian TV. It's now on Youtube. If you look closely and wait patiently, you will see us in it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=409Otp0k3N8
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