In early December there were some serious flooding in the city of Shkoder. The first reports were that the government had everything under control but after a visit there and further investigation it was evident that more aid was needed. The people are living in shelters with no heat, hot water and often more than one family in a room. Meals were being provided using only $2 a day per person. The Christmas and New Year holidays slowed down the process for getting an emergency relief project. Finally on Monday we went to Shkoder to deliver 1200 blankets to shelters for the flood victims. A few single adults and six missionaries helped with the distribution. It was a long day with a number of hiccups along the way we delivered the blankets to 4 sheters and a Egyptian/Roma community. One shelter had very sad conditons but the children quickly began to have great fun playing with all the boxes from the blankets.
At one shelter I talked to one woman who said they had to leave their home quickly in the middle of the night and have lost almost everything. Their home is in ruins and they don't know where they will go. Then just days after going to the shelter she gave birth. Our heart really goes out to them and we only hope our small contribution will lift their spirits in some way.
Part of the project includes a donation to the Red Cross of enough staple food (rice, flour, sugar, beans and cooking oil)for 500 families. With the help of some missionaries and volunteers we will help deliver all the food to a warehouse and the Red Cross will make up family packages and deliver the packages.
January is starting off to be a busy month.
No comments:
Post a Comment