Magda is 27 years old and a pharmacist. She has been working for about 11 months on a project supported by Christian Solidarity International (CSI) that supports 100 elderly Christian.
Once a month, Magda delivers bags of medicines to elderly people. She also spends time with them in their homes, chatting to them and finding out their needs.
Before setting off, Magda carefully checks the medications making sure everything is as it should be. “I check whether a box is missing, whether there are enough tablets for the whole month, and whether anything needs to be changed or removed.”
Then she bags up the medications for each individual, gets into the car with her colleague Amal and heads to Kafroun and surrounding villages.
“No one else knocks on their door”
For many of these elderly people, Magda and Amal’s monthly visit is a rare opportunity for human contact.
“Sometimes they offer us coffee, and you can see how happy they are,” Magda says. “They’re genuinely pleased when we come because no one else knocks on their door.”
When she enters their homes, Magda is made aware of how these elderly people live. “You see their homes, you see how they are dressed, and you realize that no one is looking after them, no one cooks for them. It really tugs at your heartstrings.”
Some of the elderly people have children but live alone; others live with their children; still others have no one left. “Some of them receive a visit once in a while, at most,” Magda says. “It is a difficult situation, truly difficult.”
For the beneficiaries, the project is a lifeline. “It absolutely has to continue, because some of these people have no one else to bring them their medicines.”
Lives depend on medication
For many older adults, access to medication is not a given. Many can barely afford the necessary prescriptions. Some have to take multiple medications at the same time – several pills every day. “Their lives depend on it,” says Magda.
Her work doesn’t just involve dispensing the medication. “For those unable to read, I make marks on the box,” she explains. “If the medicine has to be taken three times a day, I make three marks; if it has to be taken twice, I make two marks, so they understand.”
It is a small detail, but one that can make a huge difference.
Apples, olives, and a place in their hearts
Over time, Magda has developed friendships with the people she visits. Some call her their granddaughter, others treat her like a daughter.
Many of those she visits want to give her something in return – a few apples, some olives, walnuts from their own garden. This means a lot to her.
Sometimes they even share a joke. “We have to find you a husband!” people tell her. Magda laughs and replies, “But I’m already engaged!”
Moving encounters
The visits touch Magda deeply. There’s one woman, a former teacher, who has rheumatism. Her hands and feet are so stiff that she can barely move.
“You can see what the disease is doing to her,” she says. And she asks herself why nothing was done to prevent her ending up like this.
Magda carries these encounters with her wherever she goes. She regularly prays for the people she visits, as well as for those who lead the project and who support it financially.
She says her experiences have changed her. In the past, when she still worked at a pharmacy, she could pass difficult cases on to her boss. Today, she takes responsibility herself.
The following month, Magda once again opens the bags, checks the lists and marks packages for people who can’t read.
Once again, she gets in the car with Amal and drives to the villages. Then she knocks on one door after another.
Behind every door lives a person who is waiting – not just for their medicine but for a much needed visit. Magda brings with her an assurance that they haven’t been forgotten.
