I want to tell you the perfect story. I want to string together the most important words I have ever written. I want to pull you upright in your chair and make the hairs on your arm stand tall . Because I have a call to action and I want you to be moved, the way I have been moved these past 6 weeks.
But I can not do it. It is too vast and no matter how poetic, romantic, dramatic, insane, inspired, hilarious, dangerous or transcendent they are, these stories are not mine to tell.
All I can say is, when I saw people clinging to the outside of an airplane trying to escape the tragedy of a crumbling country, it awakened something in me. And days later when I was given the opportunity to work at an Afghan Refugee camp. I packed the car that I hate to drive and made the journey to Virginia. I drove without doubt or fear. Because I know I am supposed to be here.
I don't speak any dialect of Persian. So I communicate with pantomime and drawings and smiles. But a few days ago I found myself standing with a group of Afghan women. I was oohing and awing over the most miraculous newborn and trying to understand what it must have been like escaping the threat of death, leaving everything you know, to travel for weeks to a destination unknown while 9 months pregnant. I had trouble waddling from the couch to the bed in my air conditioning. It is just one of a million reasons why the strength of these women humbles and inspires me.
And it is just one of the reasons I am asking for your help today.
The clothes in this camp are donated by charity organizations. There is more than plenty. The people here are safe, they are clothed and fed, warm and well taken care of. I don't think I have ever been so proud to be a part of something or to know the actual people who could build a functioning city out of thin air. While immediate needs are being met, the women are asking for hijabs. It is my understanding that any scarf can be a hijab if that is its intent.
When they told me of their need for scarves, I wanted to rush home and stuff a box full of all the many pashminas, scarves and beautiful fabrics that I simply do not need. And I figured if I want to do that, maybe some of you would want to as well. And I thought it would be a nice way to bond and show love to our new sisters who find themselves on this foreign land.
While the camps do not accept unsolicited donations! I have begged for and been given permission to attempt to procure some specific items. These items need to be sent directly to me in Virginia and I will bring them to the Marines for distribution. No wondering if your package arrives and is getting in the right hands. I am here everyday, I will see it thru.
Please look in you closets and find those wonderful flowy scarves, that you know you will never wear. Colorful, embroidered, plain, or even some yards of intricate fabrics would be welcome. These women arrived dressed in the most stunning colorful glittery majestic outfits I have ever seen, all they have left of their homeland. Many are now in jeans and sweatshirts, and they are grateful...but I believe that showing some love, acceptance and celebration of the Hijab, a piece of clothing so intrinsically important to their lifestyle would be greatly appreciated. If you don't have anything in your home or you want to purchase something off a wishlist I will include a link.
In addition to head coverings. Winter shoes, and winter coats are needed. Please don't send anything other than these specific items. I will update the wishlist as needs are identified. Feel free to reach out with questions. If you don't know what a Hijab is, the link has some examples. Everyone I have spoken with has asked how they can help. This is a small way, let's knock it out of the park.
Packages can be sent to
ED HOSE C/O BEACHVIEW
2769 Jefferson Davis Hwy Stafford, VA. 22554
I love your beautiful hearts, and I look forward to going thru your stuff!
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