Hayat is a 10-year-old girl living in Syria, she lost so much but she is finding hope through her local community.
The sun was not even fully up when our house began to shake. An intense sound rumbled around us, cracks like thunder, creaking walls, crumbling bricks, all at once. Quickly my father grabbed my hand and ran me outside, no time to put on our shoes. Right as we got out the door the stairs fell, and the walls of our home started to crumble. By the time we got to the street our home was a pile of rubble, all our memories, clothes, and toys were crushed, and we had barely escaped.
For a while we just stood there looking at our broken home, surrounded by the sounds of sirens and screams of children. I overheard my father tell our neighbour that my friend never made it out of her house. I did not believe it. We were the same age.
The rest of the day felt like a blur, emergency workers came and brought us to my school turned shelter. I hope one day it will be a school again and not my home but for now we are safe. My family has received clean clothing, hygiene products, and food to help us get by while we find out where to go next. Despite everything, I know we are not alone and that brings me comfort.
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Your generous support has provided people in Syria a way forward and a glimmer of hope. In partnership with ADRA, we are responding to the crisis in three affected cities: Aleppo, Latakia, and Hama. Emergency shelters have been set-up in schools and sport halls. Over 12,000 people have received food, water, blankets, mattresses, and hygiene supplies.
Going forward our front-line workers are evaluating future needs and possible long-term responses. The next step is to identify and move survivors into more permanent housing. A long-term food response is also in the planning phase.
Please continue to pray for our workers and all those who have been affected by this tragedy. Pray that God would pour out his love and comfort and give wisdom and strength to all. Finally, pray for the local church that it can be a light in this area during this time.