Widows and Orphans

Yesterday we went with leaders of United Muslim Relief to deliver food boxes to 175 widows and their children in the Zarqa area east of Amman.  It was a very emotional event for everyone.

There is very little hope for the women who have lost their husbands and their homes.  Feeding and caring for their children is a challenge with the little bit they receive from charities.  

Some have lost their minds with grief and worry.  Others lash out in anger and frustration.

Their little children have sadness in their eyes.

Many women go on with their lives and adjust to their circumstances.   

This woman invited us to her home for dinner after she received her food box.

Everyone lined up to receive the food (oil, beans, sugar, rice, and a few other essentials)

Volunteers helped carry the boxes outside to the waiting vehicles.

An old man helped load the boxes into a taxi.

This is what Lynn had to say about his experience: 

 "A woman dressed in full burka with everything covered but her eyes, stood aside and touched my arm.  I couldn't understand what she was saying so I called an interpreter.  The interpreter told me she said 'thank you for providing food for me and my family.  I will pray for you every day.'  

It was very touching to me to hear this faithful Muslim woman expressing her gratitude to me; but my thought was, her gratitude should not be to me.  I am simply a representative of the thousands of faithful members who contribute to the humanitarian fund--and also a representative of the Savior who restored His church and among other things, focuses on providing for the widow, the poor and the needy."  

Thank you... 

Volunteers "feeling the love"

"Anna Bahabic, sadiki Khola"

(I love you my friend Khola)

Khola is a volunteer at the center for widows and orphans.  She is also caring for her own family, plus the three little children of her daughter who passed away.