We spent a memorable week on the island of Cyprus for a handover of our in-field couples. Elder James and Sister Wendy Lamb are on their way home and Elder and Sister Easter just arrived. We spent two days all together visiting NGO’s following up on current projects and discussing possibilities for future collaboration. After the Lambs left, we continued our visits with the Easters.
Dignity Centre Nicosia
This organization focuses on newly arrived refugees. They help them navigate the asylum system and access social services. They provide a Dignity Market where families can come to shop for groceries and hygiene items once a week, using a point system.
Red Cross Cypress
CRCS provides a wide range of humanitarian services, including care for disabled children, first aid lessons, emergency response, psychosocial support, assistance to migrants & refugees, blood donation, and humanitarian aid for those affected by disasters. We have been collaborating with these good people for over 15 years in Cyprus.
VELA
This NGO operates in Greece, Poland and Cyprus. Their focus is on child protection and education as the foundation of long-term integration through a combination of targeted education programs and psychosocial support.
UNHCR
The United Nations High Commission for Refugees is a UN agency that protects refugees and other forcibly displaced people. We had the privilege of meeting them at Camp Tatry inside the buffer zone between the Republic of Cyprus in the south and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus in the north. UNHCR works with the Cyprus Refugee Council and many other NGO’s to try to resolve the gaps in the social welfare system.
Nicosia Multifunctional Foundation/Nicosia Municipality
Here we discussed the possibility of a humanitarian project surrounding elderly living homes and after school programs for the vulnerable Cypriot population.
The Learning Refuge
This organization offers language and homework support for children and adults and distributes food baskets to needy families. We evaluated a past project in which sewing machines were donated for sewing classes, and school supplies were provided for 200 children. Most of the families have more than 2 children, some have up to 7-8 children to equip for school. They struggle to afford basic school supplies.
Caritas
We met at one of their resource centers that acts as an information hub for migrants and refugees. Here legal aid, basic needs support and shelters for vulnerable migrants are offered. A recent project here included the provision of humanitarian assistance and mentoring tailored to the needs of individual families. When we asked what their greatest need is they said, “Strollers!” A stroller allows a new mother to be mobile around town and in her own home. Those living below the poverty line do not have a baby chair to place their infant in while they shower or cook. We will be researching this new possibility.
Archangel Michale Hospice
We did a long-term evaluation on a past project here. The donation was indoor and outdoor furniture for the facility. Archangel Michael Hospice offers free palliative care to all in need regardless of their religious belief, nationality, financial situation or nature of the illness. They are the only hospice in Cyprus with a room designated for children with terminal illness. This furniture provides a place for families to gather with their loved ones.
In between appointments we squeezed in some sightseeing.
Nicosia
We walked across the border from the Republic of Cyprus (primarily inhabited by Greek Cypriots to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. UN troops patrol this zone.
We saw a caravansary turned shopping mall, a mosque, and a market. A caravansary was an inn with a central courtyard for travelers and their animals as they traveled through the desert. These inns were spaced a days journey apart.
Pathos
The Nea Pafos Archaeological Site
We wandered through the remains of ancient villas, and marveled at the mosaics from the 2nd to the 7th century AD.
Pathos Harbor and Medieval Castle
Birthplace of Aphrodite
Pillar of St Paul
Legend holds that St Paul was flogged for preaching Christianity at this pillar.
Tomb of the Kings
We explored underground catacombs and grand tombs carved into the rock dating back to 300 BC. These tombs were not actually used by royalty but were most likely a burial ground for the political elite. Modeled after Alexandria, Egypt they owe their name to their magnificence.
Sumptuous Cypriot Feasts
Spiritual Feasts
As we mourn the death of our church president and prophet, Russell M Nelson, we give thanks for his inspired leadership. We have been so touched this week to receive letters of condolence from many different religious groups that we work with in our humanitarian efforts.
President Nelson often promised us that the best is yet to come. So, to quote him, “Strap in and eat your vitamin pills.” If you think our Church has been fully restored, you are just seeing the beginning…. because now President Nelson is working on the other side of the veil! We thank thee O God for a Prophet to Guide us in these Latter Days.
We enjoyed watching general conference this weekend. It is always just the spiritual uplift we need every six months.
With love, Elder & Sister Lamb (aka Ed & Debbie, Mom & Dad, Pop Pop & Tu Tu)
Lambs in Central Europe 