October brought the three of us to Gaza again. This time was unique as both of our ladies Sabah and Wasel had daughters who were to deliver babies when we were there. So we made plan in case either one had to be absent. Wasel’s daughter Maha had a little boy the second day the 26th. and the mother and child are fine. Sabah’s daughter Ream had her baby the 30th. a little girl and again both of them are fine. I talked to both grandmothers after the births and they were so proud and relieved to have the little ones safely among them.
The first day we visited four families and had our meeting with Sabah as usual. She shared some good news in that perhaps another 4,000 men may have the possibility to go to work in Israel. If so it will put food on the table for 4,000 families.
For months we wanted to thank the two communities the parish priest and the Missionaries of Charity where we stay when we are in Gaza by inviting them to a picnic on the beach. Finally it was realized on the afternoon of the 25th. and our picnic was delicious due to the good judgment and planning of Sabah and Sami our driver. The weather was delightful.
The second day there we started with visiting some of the families whose homes we had renovated over the last few years. We wanted to see how they are doing. Again we saw four families and decided to stay and to visit with them longer than we usually do. They all received us with joy. Only one mother of the family was not clean and orderly. In one family the father was painting a wall and their situation seemed better. They were definitely proud of their home. In the last family the father had had his leg amputated above the knee and was finding it difficult to have the surgery to get a new artificial leg. He was dealing with depression. Still their home was clean and the rest of the family seemed happy. From time to time these families still receive food or medicine from us when it is needed so we keep in touch with them.
