Day 4: Refguees in the South

Mobile Clinic in Karak
The mobile clinic was set up in Karak today, in the facilities of the Jordanian Women’s Union (JWU). Though Karak is almost two hours drive south from Amman, 850 Syrian refugee families live here (according to a team of volunteers that registered the arriving families); they were attracted by the outlook of jobs. Upon arrival of the medical team, dozens of patients were already excitedly expecting the doctors and the team, and the number of patients increased rapidly. Jasser managed the crowds with two helpers, and made sure that everyone got his or her turn, despite the high and constant influx – and some impatient patients. Omar was supporting the eye specialists with translations, which at times was quite entertaining, especially with the kids.

Syrian dinner invitation

In the evening, the whole team was invited for dinner at the Spinal Clinic Center, that we had visited a couple of days before. To everyone’s delight, Syrian food (at its best) was prepared and shared with all the patients living at the center. It was really beautiful to see how much of an effort the local staff does to give the patients a good time, and to divert their attention away from the news on Syria they usually follow rather closely – quite moving…