Visit November 2019

Visit November 18 and 19 2019

For two years we have tried to abstain for our Assistant General of the Daughters of Charity the two needed permits to visit Gaza with us. Last week shelling there had us praying that somehow it would be quiet enough to still go down this week. It happened and we had two lovely days there. We visited each day two of the nursery schools and several poor families. Two families had homes which were renovated recently and five homes were ones that need renovations before the winter rains if possible. 

In the schools the children were busy learning their numbers and letters. Healthy meals were being given in all four schools. The pictures can give you an idea of what was served. Ne school had repaired their outside playground toys. All had received their school supplies which were quickly put to good use. They all asked it the children would be getting winter coats as they received last year.

Some of the homes were really in bad shape especially two in the rural area near the Musaddar School and one in a refugee camp. They were really shacks made of pieces of wood, plastic sheeting (once used on the farms) and corrugated metal sheets. In the winter none of these families have no protection from the rain and wind. One is below the street level and the rains comes down the street and into their home.

Photogallery

Visit october 2019

Visit October 23 and 24 2019

Sr. Juliana, Sr. Maria and I went to down and crossed the boarders without any difficulty this time. Sabah met us with our cards for the Gaza side which facilitated things. We began with a visit to Fawsyeh School in the north near the border. Two classes of children were busy playing using a parachute. Others were studying their numbers and one class was outside eating their meal of rice, beans and meat. It looked delicious.

After we visited four very poor families. One home was just renewed and the family were so happy and proud to have a proper living space. The father had lost a leg at the border and due to living in a dirty area he contacted gangrene and had to have the leg amputated. Now again he needs a piece of the leg removed, but needed to wait the arrival of their fourth child before having surgery. In the pictures you can see the baby who is admired by all of us. She is only a few days old, a beautiful and alert baby.

Three other homes were studied as we hope to do the renovations for two other homes before winter. These two are in bad shape and the families are large with little space for everyone.

The last day we had to leave earlier, yet still we went to the bank and met in our office to discuss our various programs. The schools all need some supplies which they will get this month. Three of the schools need to have their outdoor playground toys repaired. We decided not to use merry-go-rounds as they break down as all the playgrounds are of sand. Other types of equipment is more practical like slides and swings.

On leaving many men were also leaving as now some can get the permit to work in Israel. It’s a wonderful event as unemployment is so high, many are hungry.

Phtogallery