Woefully Inadequate

As the violence in Gaza rises, I feel my insides churn at the news, the photos, the complicated reasons behind it all, the innocent children caught in the middle.  
I blogged about this back in April, but I cannot help but think of Ahlam and Farah - two young girls who live in Gaza that we Skyped with from Bethlehem.  The girls asked that the following message be sent to children in the US and Canada - they'd like the siege lifted, rights, free to play and they'd like others to hear their voices. I pray for their safety, for their mental and physical well-being and for the crazy world that surrounds them. May some sort of peace descend on that berated and embattled land. And in so many ways, that feels woefully inadequate.

Our third MCC visit of the day was done via Skype since we couldn't get into the Gaza Strip for an in-person visit.  We met two students at the Culture and Free Thought Association in Khan Younis, Gaza.   They work with kids ages 6-12 years old through art, theater, media, sports and more.  They encourage the kids to be in charge of all activities and the children run the summer camps (with adult supervision).  It seemed like an amazing way to teach leadership and life skills all while having a great time.

 This is Ahlam, age 11, she spoke with such confidence and hope for her future.  She most enjoys working on computers while she's at the center.  She won the student election to be in charge of the summer camp this year so now she goes around asking the kids about what food, toys, activities they want and she works with the teachers to make it happen. She dreams of being a teacher.

 And this is Farah, age 11 as well. If the center wasn't available she'd have to stay home and care for her younger brothers.  She said she used to be shy and wouldn't talk to people and now she's confident and not shy.  She loves learning English, Islamic religions, hates science and doesn't like math.  She dreams of being a doctor.

 Basam, who works for MCC Palestine worked hard interpreting the entire Skype call and did a great job helping us communicate with the girls.

 The girls just amazed me.  Such confidence, such strength, such joy in their smiles and expressions. I hope their dreams become their realities.

The girls asked that the following message be sent to children in the US and Canada - they'd like the siege lifted, rights, free to play and they'd like others to hear their voices.