Frida did good!

So - if you've been reading for a while you'll know that I settled into Ghor full-time three months ago, and that one of the first issues I started working on was the camp of Internally Displaced People living on the outskirts of Cheghcharan. At first things moved fast, with indications that these IDP families would be returned to their homes before winter. But that all come to a grinding halt when the Supreme Court decided to refer their case (regarding ownership of the land they were displaced from) back to the provincial level court to be retried.

So this past week I've been encouraging the Government to find the families housing for the winter. It has been getting cold fast in Ghor and the tents were clearly no longer adequate.

Today I visited 19 of the 27 families in the houses they moved into this morning. The baby girl in this photo is three months old, she was born just as I arrived in Ghor and I was so happy to visit her and her mother today and see them settled into a decent house for the winter.

I certainly didn't make this happen by myself, but I have been very persistent in following up the issues affecting these families and they obviously think that it has made a big difference. The smiles I saw on the faces of mothers in every house today made up for my really, truely horrible weekend (we had rockets landing next to our compound through the night on Friday and I was alone, not my idea of a good time at all).

Eid is coming up in just over a week, and this is the time of year for making an extra effort to help those who need a bit more help. I think the spirit of Ramazan helped get the assistance these families needed and all in all it was a day that made me smile.

Now - I'm signing off in order to welcome some Thursday evening visitors! Two of the regular visitors to Ghor are about to arrive for a quiet drink. Lovely.

Comments

[Silvia]

This post made me think what I could do to help those people a bit. I think I'm gonna send you an email soon. Hope you're having a wonderful thursday night!

[Melanie]

You did do good! What a great pic. Love that smile and those chubby wee cheeks.

[liz elayne]

love your persistence and how you are changing things...

i am sending you peace and blessings this evening...

[Kerstin]

I shuddered when I read about the rockets. You are a brave woman. And I just love all your photos of the men, woman and children you work with and for; what beautiful people they are, and by this I mean what I see in their eyes and smiles, you really capture something beyond words here. And you put a very human face to a volatile region of the world that most of us only know from media reports, and probably will never see in person. You do amazing work, Frida, in conditions that are dangerous and unpredictable, yet you are very humble and down-to-earth about it, sharing your fears and frustrations as well as the successes and joys in a manner that speaks to my heart.

I hope you had a nice evening with your visitors!

Sending you safe thoughts :)

Kerstin

[Mary]

You did good. You help save world. You making things better for people. This Neanderthal think you still one of the best ever there was.
xxxx

[Mardougrrl]

You are just...I am ALWAYS, ALWAYS in awe of you and your power. Wonderful work. Have a great time with your visitors. :) xoxo, M

[colorsonmymind]

This is such a beautiful picture-as is your spirit and all you do.

You are making changes in the world. Thank you

XO

[Swirly]

You do so much good, in so many ways, for so many people. Superhero = YOU.

[Paris Parfait]

Hooray for you, Frida! You are making such a difference in these people's lives. xo

[ceanandjen]

This is absolutely wonderful news...it made me smile big and it is proof that you are affecting important change. Even better that you were able to visit this wonderful people and see the smiles on their faces. Congratulations!!!!!

xoxo

[susanna]

Way to go, Frida! You are AMAZING! A true hero in my books. And I bet your mom and dad are mighty proud of you.

[Melanie-bd]

Frida, such lovely photos and words. I love your beautiful country and the warmth of your people. I wish things were different and ALL were at peace. Sometimes(NOW) I am ashamed of being an American. We do not all think like BUSH.
Love your blog!

love-bd-Melanie

[Jeni]

One person can make a difference! I needed to read that, and hear myself say that comment so badly right now. I am in awe of you and the work you are doing.

[Mélanie]

Such a wonderful baby ..You did good ..but anyway you do , and you will
Lovely post