Maria’s smile was the best gift I received this Christmas. Maria is seven years young. She can’t wait to go the USA, so she can run and play with other kids like she used to. Five months ago she was walking with her mom in their neighborhood in a Palestinian refugee camp in Syria when a bullet entered her shoulder and lodged in her spine.
Her family sought refuge in Lebanon. They live in an abandoned building. No electricity. The own two mattresses, three blankets and a wheelchair aside from the clothes on their back.
The family greeted us with smiles that warmed the freezing room. Maria spoke as she shivered: “My mother tells me stories, I cannot go to school, they don’t have a place for me. I get bored, so my father takes me on the chair to watch other kids run. I know I will have a surgery and get better and run again. When am I going to America to get my bullet out?”
As we walked out of their home, Mohamad, her father says there’s another family who needs your help. A young mother appears with her three children; Mohamad the eldest was at home when a shell hit their house, killing his grandfather and tearing through his hands.
“They are in good shape” says Mohamad, The PCRF Lebanon Missions Manager. “On your next visit, we will go to the Ba’kaa where a tent is the only shelter those families have”.
Every day I am reminded of how rich my life is with friends, loved ones, amazing work, and health. Today, was a special reminder. On a day when people share gifts, feast and celebrate, I received a heart warming smile from a seven year old who has nothing. I felt touched by an angel.
If you would like to help provide medical treatment to Maria, Mohamad and other children like them please visit www.pcrf.net
If you would like to support families like Maria and Mohamad’s family, please visit https://www.justgiving.com/live2give