The Safe Women’s Shelter was started by VWO in Herat and presently there are 40 women and 18 children.  They are victims of violence usually by their husband and his family, runaways from forced marriages, and those abandoned and removed from their homes and communities as punishment for their uncooperative behavior.  They have a safe haven in the shelter where they receive medical care, food, counseling and legal assistance.

Today I spent a day with these women, their children and staff.  They embrace one another giving support for their hopes and comfort to the often emotional breakdowns.  They are so full of emotions, fears, gratitude, uncertainties and questions that it felt like being in a beautiful garden full of flowers but an overwhelming amount of weeds almost choking out the beauty of the rest.

We walked together, shared our stories and ate food in a circle and it felt peaceful, silent from the troubles like any other family meal.  Occasionally, a woman would begin crying and watching her I could only imagine the story that rewound in her mind and began playing again but soon it paused and she was okay.  I believe when that happens everyone’s heart begins to send healing love to the one in need.  I left but not before leaving some loving personal support from all our hearts and some financial help to make some improvements.  

The program continues and it is my hope to continue helping Suraya and VWO to start additional shelters in other districts of Afghanistan’s western region.