A day in the life of ..

I have missed a couple of days on my blog .. so I will try to write something about the last couple of days ..

I have been working with Northern Lights Aid and Aid Delivery Mission over the last couple of weeks . Both groups have charismatic and dedicated people working here full time..  Each morning we pack a shopping bag with essential items,  the items change on a daily basis. The package is designed for a family of 4, containing fresh or dried food, sanitary products or cleaning products. It helps people to become more independent, cooking and cleaning for themselves. 

Also ADM run a huge operation to deliver freshly cooked hot food to a variety of camps in the area. Many thousands of people rely on this food each day to survive as no large NGOS or government officials are present at Harahotel or surrounding woodland areas and many do not have cooking facilities

This is a huge logistical task and both deliveries cost €5000 per day in total. 

This all happens in the morning .. in the afternoon we take orders from 20 people for essential things they need.  Then in we go to a warehouse where all donations are sent and try to fulfill the order for the next day.  There is a shortage of some items such as shoes and  ladies dresses .. so these desperate people are often disappointed the next day, however they gracefully move away, just one more hurdle to jump over. They will have to wait another day hoping to be again one of the lucky 20 who get to request clothing.   We also do additional requests for newly arrived people who have nothing.  The items are packed at the warehouse, usually in the dark using a head torch. 

All children (under the age of 11 are given a tub of rice pudding at around 7pm) provided for by Save the Children. . These are distributed carefully always trying to make sure all the kids get one ..

Late evening at around 11pm .. the tent patrol volunteers get prepared . Filling a car with blankets and sleeping bags and small tents .. These are for people who arrive in the night or who do not have shelter for some reason.  These supplies are very limited and so are distributed carefully ..

There are not enough volunteers here to complete all the work required.. This can be quite heartbreaking . When people come to you needing something but you don’t have the time or resources to provide it .. its horrible to say  “no”  or “maybe tomorrow “..

Yesterday with funds provided by my lovely donors I bought 240 bras and 240 pairs of knickers. (As inspired by the amazing People in Motion charity) .. I dragged them tent to tent in my huge suitcase. It was so amazing to spend some time with the women in the camp.  These beautiful arabic ladies so happy to receive new underwear.. we laughed and chased away the men whilst they chose their size and colour.  It’s totally nuts here . There is no other word for it  and yet our government does nothing to help these people.  What is the conclusion of this inhumane and barbaric story ? From here it is hard to tell but I won’t stop ever until it’s resolved .. not ever !!! I am too tired to write about today and the damage to wind, rain and cold brought to the camp .. that’s one for tomorrow ..