Face To Face: Praying with the 2007 CWS Calendar

PAIN OF PARTING
Rozina Swati has no idea what the future holds for her. For a year and a half she has lived in a camp for quake survivors in northwest Pakistan. But when this picture was taken, in the spring of 2006, the camp was being closed, and Rozina was giving a CWS friend a tearful hug good-bye. The government closed the camps in an effort to encourage families to return and rebuild their communities. But Rozina, whose own village was completely destroyed, had come to see the camp as her community.

CWS understands well the emotional upheaval disaster survivors feel, and along with its partner Norwegian Church Aid, it had psychosocial teams on the ground soon after the camps were established, working to help people cope with their losses and their traumas. The teams encouraged survivors to talk about life after the camps and about the process of moving back to their villages. Just knowing that they are not forgotten as their hardships continue, that there are others in the world who care and support them, makes starting over seem possible.

“I am scared to go back to my village. The memories are so sad that I am afraid they will haunt the village forever.”

Rozina Swati, Pakistani earthquake survivor

Fact of Life:
Total number killed during the South Asia earthquake: 80,000

Total number injured: 100,000

	PAIN OF PARTING Rozina Swati has no idea what the future holds for her. For a year and a half she has lived in a camp for quake survivors in northwest Pakistan. But when this picture was taken, in the spring of 2006, the camp was being closed, and Rozina was giving a CWS friend a tearful hug good-bye. The government closed the camps in an effort to encourage families to return and rebuild their communities. But Rozina, whose own village was completely destroyed, had come to see the camp as her community. CWS understands well the emotional upheaval disaster survivors feel, and along with its partner Norwegian Church Aid, it had psychosocial teams on the ground soon after the camps were established, working to help people cope with their losses and their traumas. The teams encouraged survivors to talk about life after the camps and about the process of moving back to their villages. Just knowing that they are not forgotten as their hardships continue, that there are others in the world who care and support them, makes starting over seem possible. “I am scared to go back to my village. The memories are so sad that I am afraid they will haunt the village forever.” Rozina Swati, Pakistani earthquake survivor Fact of Life: Total number killed during the South Asia earthquake: 80,000 Total number injured: 100,000
	Recall a time in your life that was especially painful. How long did it take to recover from that suffering? How important were other people in your healing process? What lessons might Rozina and her sisters have to teach us about overcoming hardship?
	With weeping they shall come, and with consolations I will lead them back. Jer. 31:9
	O creator and Mighty God, you have promised strength for the weak, rest for the laborers, light for the way, grace for the trials, help from above, unfailing sympathy, and undying love. Help us to continue in your promise. Prayer from Pakistan
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