I’m not the only one…

I’m getting anxious with my youth center plans, and I have a feeling I’m not the only one.  Though its not official, and most people here don’t have a clue of what I’m about to embark upon, I think the feeling of something new must be brewing in the air.

Lately at the Food Distribution more and more kids have been coming, not just to pick up food for their moms, but to stay and chat (and sometimes help out!).  Last night we were graced with the presence of our two little “translators”, a term and position they have appointed themselves.  Since most of the mothers only speak Arabic, and I only speak Hebrew, they like to be the ones to communicate all the in’s and out’s of the procedures.  It’s very cute, actually.

They sooooo need this youth center, to have a place to go.  I’m getting excited about the vision I have, and this week I will be looking at some potential buildings for the site.  In the meantime you can see my adorable, little helpers for yourselves.  These girls are two reasons why I am passionate about future plans…..

TII #6: Delirious from Diapers

Today was a serious TII moment during our Food Distribution.  This week we are giving diapers instead of food (I still am undecided as to which is more important to them).  We were supposed to get the delivery yesterday, but alas…it never came.  Today the delivery-guy said, “For sure I am coming…2:00.”

2:00 is good; it gives us time to sort through the different sizes, organize them into groups, and package them up for when the women come.  

That was the plan.

But this is Israel!  2:30 comes and goes, but he has not arrived.  3:00, still no diapers.  The women begin showing up and we tell them he should be coming any minute.  3:30, the natives are getting restless and so are we.  We decided to start making food packets and give them out instead, since it doesn’t look like he’s coming again.  

4:15/ish, He shows up.  In the middle of the distribution, with women all around, food bags being made and distributed, and he shows up.  Ish!  (As we say in Hebrew, Balagan!!!)

So, we  ATTEMPT to sort them as best as we can and begin giving them out.  It was a huge mess… diapers everywhere, women wanting food + diapers, me trying to remain calm and record their numbers at the same time, and sweating profusely from the heat and small quarters.

Finally at 6:00 we were able to stop for the day.  I was exhausted (to say the least), dirty, thirsty, and… delirious from all the diapers!!

Imagine

Imagine growing up in a country full of war and distress.

Imagine leaving your country in hopes of a life for you and your children.

Imagine traveling almost 2,000 miles across deserts, borders, trials, and dangers surrounding you in order for that life.

Imagine finally reaching your destination, only to be put in jail in order to receive asylum.

Imagine knowing you can not return to your home country, for if you do you will be killed because of where you were.

For over 5,000 Sudanese living in the country of Israel now, who have endured more tribulation in a year of travel than most of us will ever experience in our lifetime, they do not have to imagine it….they lived it!  Crossing illegally by means of desert from Egypt into Israel, these men and women have been shot at, lost family members on the way, been imprisoned, and now live in extreme poverty only to escape the perils of their own home country.  

Please join me as I begin to work alongside the Sudanese in Tel Aviv to bring a little light into their darkness.  Food distribution has already begun, and there are over 300 families coming to receive a weekly stipend.  I will also be starting a program for the children in the coming months….

Imagine living in a foreign country, and encountering HIM, the one who can change your life. Together we can make a difference.