There But for the Grace of God Go I

Whenever we go on a food distribution, we can't help but think of the talk Elder Holland gave in the October conference last year.  His beautiful words express exactly how we feel:

". . .I openly acknowledge the unearned, undeserved, unending blessings in my life, both temporal and spiritual.  . . . I have had to worry about finances on occasion, but I have never been poor, nor do I even know how the poor feel.  Furthermore, I do not know all the reasons why the circumstances of birth, health, education and economic opportunities vary so widely here in mortality, but when I see the want among so many, I do know that "there but for the grace of God go I."  I also know that although I may not be my brother's keeper, I am my brother's brother, and "because I have been given much, I too must give." (underlining added by us)

What's it like to be a refugee?  We can't even begin to imagine.  How do they survive and go on living?  We don't know how, but they do.

Many live in tents out in the desert....

Their homes have very little--a rug on the floor, some mats and blankets and a little wood burning stove.

Others find housing wherever they can..

In an olive grove

Or an abandoned chicken coop (cleaned out of course)

Or crowded into tiny one-room "apartments"

They try to carry on life as best they can.....

Babies are born

Loved ones pass away . . .(her son died yesterday)

They heal from the physical effects of war . . . (this man is recovering after being shot in the back)

And the psychological effects  

Widows care for their own children as well as the children of family members who have died or been killed.

They depend on others for almost everything.  Many kind-hearted people and charities have done much to help.  LDS Charities donated these food boxes containing enough food to feed a family of 5 for a month.  Jamal Iqtish, our United Muslim Relief partner, throws in a few cleaning supplies and some hygiene kits.  We often see him reaching into his pocket for a few dinars and quietly handing the money to someone he thinks needs extra help. 

There's always candy for the children.  This little boy is blind.  His sister made sure he got his share.

The education of their children is very important..  This school-in-a-tent has no desks or chairs or multi-media presentations.  Just well-mannered children sitting on the ground listening to their teacher.  They sang a cute song in Arabic for us.  One little 3-year old girl sang the ABC song in perfect English!!

These are not homeless that have been run out of their country.  They have fled their country and become homeless.  Many have lost everything--their homes, their careers, their bank accounts, and many loved ones.  Some have been middle class or upper middle class professionals. 

We will be forever changed by the experiences we are having, and we are so grateful.  It is our sincere desire to represent the Savior in every way.  Our hearts are full of love and compassion for our brothers and sisters in this land.

" I may not be my brother's keeper but I am my brother's brother"

Here's a link to a video of our visit:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ROfBxyOxqM&sns=em