Istalaf, Afghanistan -- Tucked two hours away from Istalaf's beaten path sits Sahima's village. Since her father's untimely death during factional fighting, this 12-year-old, her sickly mother and siblings have been living under the care of an uncle. The extended household sometimes wonders where their next meal will come from. See how OBI helped Sahima and her family.

Twelve-year-olds in the United States sometimes moan about going to school. Not Sahima. In spite of all her wishing, she has never had a choice to go to school. Her days involve caring for her younger siblings and doing chores in her uncle's home. During Operation Blessing's most recent food distribution in Istalaf, this young woman commented while helping her uncle load a food package on his shoulder, "When I see children going off to school my heart cries within me for not having the opportunity." She's quick to point out the good in her life, "My uncle has been kind for he too has a big family to feed. Through Operation Blessing's help we are able to keep going." The two then began to make the two-hour walk back home.

Many more like Shaima’s family made the long walk to receive food items from Operation Blessing. Over 2,200 widows and their families received a month's supply of food in May. This project focused on supporting the widows of the village. When a wife loses her husband the brother of the husband or the closest relative takes responsibility. Although these widows are taken in by their families, they are expected to take care of the host family. Their children may be neglected and can not attend school due to lack of resources. These women do not have any skills to make their own living and so must accept their fate.

Some widow’s commented this was the first time someone else has helped them and were grateful for Operation Blessin's generosity. Encouraged by OBI's outpouring of love, these women and other families make the arduous trek back to Istalif. Its a community that have been touched on multiple levels by OBI assistance over the pas several months; food and blanket distributions as well as medical clinics have given hope to the Istalif leaders and helped the people survive.

"We thank Operation Blessing partners for being a part of this great outreach," expressed our relief worker. A steady stream of refugees are now moving back to their now destroyed villages. As many children who were born in and have grown up in refugee camps return to Afghanistan, a time of adjustment in a new environment will be needed. Construction of such basics as sanitation facilities and clean water systems will take time.

Your continued investment into the children of Afghanistan and their families speaks eternal volumes to their hearts and futures.

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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