“SDE’ROT ICE-CREAM / DIAPER SOCIAL”

The day of the big party has finally come; a diaper and ice cream social for the many needy young mothers here in Sderot. Hands of Mercy has been blessed with 50,000 diapers recently… and now will bless many young families and their children with an afternoon of ice cream, lemonade, diapers, and of course laughter.

The ladies who volunteer here have spent countless hours sorting and folding clothes so that the shelves will be full of nice things for the children. The men have worked tirelessly moving things, cleaning the yard, and setting up tables and chairs. Over fifty lemons were squeezed to make five gallons of lemonade. And then there were the hours and hours that went into making nearly fifteen gallons of ‘gourmet’ homemade ice cream. Before this afternoon, when the mothers and strollers arrive many last minute details will still have to be accomplished, including the bathing of our two precious lambs... bathed and groomed from head to tail for their very first party.

As the afternoon begins to fade and the heat of the day subsides, mothers begin to arrive with their young ones in tow, and the yard is all at once filled with laughter. As mothers sit with their babies and toddlers, greeting each other and enjoying the chance to catch up with friends, the older children are exploring the herb garden and playing a game of ‘tag’.

Lemonade and ice cream are enjoyed by all as we prepare for the distribution of diapers. As the lambs arrive to the party, the children become very excited as they all try to get as close to the lambs as they can. They squeeze in around the pen touching the lambs and waiting for a turn at brushing the lambs.

As I look at the precious faces of these children who have been traumatized by rocket attacks, I enjoy the experience with them. Their smiles and laughter are filled with joy. As I stand there watching them enjoy the moment I can’t help but notice one young girl standing close to her papa. Her expression is one of apprehension, not quite sure if she wants to reach out and touch the lambs. As I offer her the lamb’s brush she turns her face and buries it in her papa’s leg, then just as quickly looks back at the lambs and then me. I offer the brush a second time and again she buries her face in the protection of papa’s pants leg. I pause for a moment, able to hold her gaze, and smile. Slowly a smile grows on her little face, I extend the brush one last time and it is accepted. Slowly I guide her little hand as we brush the lambs together. As I glance up at papa, his face has lit up in smile as he watches his little one join in the fun.