The Psychological Effects of War

We can't even imagine what most of the Syrian refugees have suffered and are suffering.  We look into their eyes and see grief and pain.  It's especially heart-rending to see the sorrow in the eyes of the children.  What can we do to help them?  Is food, shelter and medical care enough?  Aren't the emotional needs just as important?  How do you deal with the stress, anxiety and depression that they live with?  It's overwhelming, but not without hope because there are many good people in Jordan who have seen the need and are doing something about it.  One organization is our good friend, United Muslim Relief.  Recently they opened up a center in Amman that deals specifically with psycho-social needs.  They are doing good work.  We hope to be able to assist them.

Ruela and her staff serve the emotional needs of  35 families of widows with children.  The children come to this center for play therapy.  They also make home visits to 176 families.  Ruela asked an 8-year old boy, "what is your dream?  What do you want to be when you grow up--a teacher? a doctor? an engineer?"  His answer, "Do you think I will live that long?"