Reflections by Nancy Hemminger

When I reflect on my experiences in the Holy Land, some may see the experiences as “connections” but I see the experiences as a series of miracles with my team teachers.

Before Fr. Faysal passed away this past August, he and I planned on visiting Gaza. He had already shared information about the program Talents Unlimited with the sisters at Holy Family in Gaza and he said, “they (the sisters and students) need so much!” My teammates did not hesitate when I asked them to join me

However, Gaza was not where God wanted us to go, so instead He sent us to Marka (Our Lady Mother of the Church) in Jordan, Hogar Nino Dios ( a home for abandoned and disabled adults and children) in Bethlehem, Beit Jala and Aida Refugee Camp.

Miracle 1 – Tamer and Beit Jala

It is obvious God knew about HOPE 13 years ago – in 2003 when we invited five 8th grade students and two teachers from Beit Jala to St. Andrew’s in Milford, Ohio. We were both celebrating our Sesquicentennial. At the time, I was the coordinator and Darlene Smith hosted one of the teachers.

Little did we know that 13 years later Darlene Smith and I would meet in the courtyard of Beit Jala school and learn that Tamer, one of the “original” 8th graders is now a social worker for the school. Darlene is now a Principal at St. Mary’s school in Hillsboro – Archdiocese of Cincinnati, but she has 25 years experience working with special needs students. Ideas were shared, but so much more needs to be done and only God knows what the impact of this meeting will have for the benefit of His children.

Miracle 2 – Thick-it and “HOPE”

This past October, my husband and I, who are members of the Knights of the Holy Sepulcher, heard a presentation by Deacon Glen Heinzl, who is also a Knight. He described a home for abandoned and disabled children and adults called Hogar Nino Dios. After the presentation, I spoke with Deacon Glen and he told me the home needed a product called “thick-it” for the clients to help them swallow liquids more easily. Our local Milford CVS donated two containers and when we asked Mother Pia at the home how much “thick-it” was left, she checked and when she came back she said, “Truly this was sent by God, because we gave the last serving today.”

My teammates brought many other gifts which are seen on the table.

My own personal miracle was a little girl, who ran to me whenever she caught sight of me at Hogar Nino Dios. She was 3 ½ years old and she had been abandoned. This tiny little child wrapped her legs and arms around me and I realized she was a precious miracle. She had no name, so I named her “HOPE.”

Miracle 3 – water filters

Jordan (Marka), Bethlehem (Hogar Nino Dios), Beit Jala (Annunciation and other LPS Schools) and Aida Refugee camp were all recipients of water filters (provided by the Sisters of Charity) and brought by Sr. Andrea Koverman, SC. “All you need is a bucket” said Sr. Andrea and then the persons watched spellbound as Sister proceeded to make a hole in the bucket and explain how one filter could provide clean water for three families for ten years. Fr. Khalil said it best, “It’s a miracle!”