Operation Blessing's relief worker returned to Afghanistan the last week of August to: Review the progress of the rebuilding of Istalif's permanent medical clinic. Make final arrangements to build a school facility for approximately 450 female students in Istalif. Receive and distribute a shipment of 128,000 meals being sent to Kabul from Operation Blessing and Feed My Starving Children.

Istalif, Afghanistan - She pushed her way through the crowd of women hoping to be seen. Covered from head to toe in sky blue, her arms held a precious package underneath the burka. Tears stained the netting covering her eyes. Despite July's heat, the bundle remained hidden until it was Salma's turn to see a doctor from Operation Blessing's medical team.

Her husband had left the village to look for work. With no food left in the house, Salma fed her two weaned children and herself the scraps a neighbor gave her. Recognizing she was unhealthy, this desperate mother couldn't adequately nurse her infant. She sought the free medical care of Operation Blessing volunteers.

Her turn soon came. Lifting her burka, a skinny malnourished baby was revealed lying in her lap. Salma pleaded, "I am afraid of how my husband will react when he sees the condition of my child. Please help me." After examining the mother and child, medicines and a month's supply of food were given to the family.

In just three days, Operation Blessing's international team of five doctors and one dentist from the United States, one Indian dentist, one doctor from Singapore, and four Afghan doctors provided medical services for over 1,700 men, women and children! A ten-year-old girl named Nazeera commented, ""I am very happy today. For the first time after we ran away to the Pansher valley, we could see hope and smile again. Many sick people received medicine My mother had pain in her joints from a long time but a doctor examined her and she is feeling very happy because the doctor told her that she would become well soon."

In addition to providing medical care, Operation Blessing partnered with International Foundation of Hope Afghanistan, Touch Community serving Singapore and SEC of the United States in giving 1,250 Istalif families relief packages containing items including wheat flour, oil, mattresses, pillows, and quilts. Such care was only possible because of Operation Blessing's generous partners like you!

The need in Istalif continues to be tremendous. More than 60,000 people are rebuilding their lives in the midst of burned out buildings and destroyed fields. The closest medical facility is sixty kilometers away in Kabul. Jobs are scarce. However, remembering those who gave their lives in battle against the Taliban, Istalif is strong and determined to start a new life. With your help, this mountainous region is on its way to becoming beautiful again.

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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