Eid Mubarek

The celebration of Eid (rhymes with eat) begins at the end of Ramadan.  Traditionally, the Muslim men are expected to buy new clothing for their children for Eid.  The custom is similar to what we do for our children at Christmastime, only instead of toys they get clothes.  For the Syrian refugees and orphans celebrating this event would be impossible if it weren't for Jamal and United Muslim Relief.  Jamal takes care of his little group of people like they are his own children.  He loves them all.

Yesterday he invited us to go to Mafraq for a day of shopping for 450 children.  Each child was given a voucher to spend at a large clothing store on brand new clothing.  Arrangements had been made with the merchant to give a discount.  It was the most fun, wild, wonderful day we have had in a long time.

 Jamal at the check-out .  .Nobody pulls anything over on him.  He knows them all.

Squeezing all these people inside the store wasn't easy, but they were orderly . . except for one man who had an angry yelling fit at the store manager, but he got over it.

 A mother (probably a widow) and her 3 children

 Jamal watching over.

The children had definite ideas about what they liked - and didn't like.

 For some, the sadness and horror was still in their eyes and on their faces

Eid Mubarek!! (Congratulations you finished Ramadan)

We recognized many of the children from the camps (tents, barns, abandoned buildings) we have visited to deliver food over the past few months.   They had big smiles on their faces and were so excited as they rushed around, selecting new shirts, pants and other items.

Jamal said if someone gave him a million dollars he wouldn't trade it for the smiles on the faces of these sweet little children who have not had much to be happy about in their lives.  The previous night Jamal was sick and spent 6 hours in the hospital, yet he stood at the check-out and helped every person individually with their purchases (while fasting).  What can we say about such a man?  We get tears in our eyes when we think about it.