(Istalif, Afghanistan) -- Surrounded by snow capped mountains of the Hindu Kush lies the once beautiful vacation spot of Istalif. Sixty kilometers north of Kabul, it boasts as having hosted kings and diplomats of the world including Alexander the Great. Years of Taliban rule forced many citizens to flee for their lives. A sign at the city's entrance now reads, "Welcome to the burned city." In the midst of this destruction and hopelessness, OBI fed 2,000 hungry families and mended 1,050 broken individuals last week. Here is the latest report from Operation Blessing's relief worker...

Samira was preparing lunch when her neighbor came running over. She excitedly shared there was a free clinic being conducted nearby! Samira told the neighbor to go ahead without her. She had many household chores that needed to be done. Besides, her husband would not allow her to leave unless all the work was completed. But this mother of three longed to go.

Samira had suffered from severe back pain since giving birth to her first child. In the past, she tried to explain the problem to her husband. He would not listen to her. "If you are sick I need to find another wife," he cruelly remarked.

By Afghan standards, they lived a pleasant life complete with plenty of food, a nice house and beautiful orchard. All that was about to end. Samira's pain continued through the birth of two more children. She bared the increasing pain when the family had to flee the Taliban. During the two day walk to safety, Samira painfully lifted heavy loads. After the Taliban were overthrown, she and her family returned to Istalif this year.

A windowless and roofless house welcomed them home. Since jobs are hard to find, her husband spends the day walking from one burned house to another in search for usable building materials. The three young children look sickly. Schools are in shambles, so there's nothing else to do but play out in the dirt . Daily food for the family consists of tea and bread.

As Samira was finishing her chores her husband walked in and said a group is running a free clinic. Contrary to what she had told her friend minutes before, he said she could go see a doctor. Without wasting time, she picked up the children and walked for 45 minutes to the clinic. After many years of unimaginable discomfort, she finally was able to consult one of our Operation Blessing team doctors. This relieved woman received advice and medicines for both her and the children.

According to Operation Blessing's volunteer doctors, most women like Samira were going through depression and psychological trauma. Many have not seen doctors for years. Operation Blessing's free clinic has been a great help to them. One of the doctors commented, "We are thankful for your organization for taking the clinic to the people. People are poor and don't have much to eat. By providing free medicines allows everyone to come and see us. We hope you will do more for our people by going to other regions as well. We are prepared to work along with you."

In just 2 days Operation Blessing saw 1,050 patients in Istalif. Young and old began waiting in line during the early morning hours. There were those who could hardly walk but were there to be treated. Their expressions spoke volumes of the hardships they had gone through. In addition to medical care, 2,000 families received a month's supply of food, enough for six individuals. One thousand families were gifted small radios to be able to keep in tune with world events..

I was glad to represent Operation Blessing in Istalif. We brought hope and love for all. You could sense their relief of knowing there are groups like Operation Blessing taking care of them. Partners, your donations have touched many lives. Thank you for helping the people of Istalif.

HOW YOU CAN HELP
You can help by making an online donation toward OBI's disaster relief efforts. With your support, we can continue to provide emergency relief and recovery. Please make an on-line donation today.

 

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