Drink water! Our refugees friends are often surprised by the summer heat and humidity here in the South. With Ramadan starting July 8th and running til August 7th, their bodies are probably shocked. From dawn til sunset, Islamic refugees fast. This fasting period can be a dangerous time for refugees in our city. I can’t count the number of times I say, “Drink water!”

The Muslim refugees who participate do not drink water during the hottest days of our summer. Though we teach often about the importance of drinking lots of water, I am never surprised by the number of refugees who choose not too. I am not sure if they truly understand the dangerous choice they are making to their bodies. Our climate is much different than what most of them are use to. The areas of Africa a lot of our clients come from have temperatures of about 70 deg. year round with little to no humidity.

Refugees complain about headaches, belly cramps, dizziness and fatigue due to the dehydration. It happens every year. In fact, it is common to visit many of them in the hospital as they are being treated for severe dehydration.

So, I ask for prayer for the refugee families that they would truly understand all the symptoms of dehydration before they let their bodies starve for water too long. It’s hard to explain to them “symptoms” in various health situations which are directly related to the health habits they have. Yes, your belly cramps and headache are because your body is telling you it needs water. No, you do not need medication nor an MRI, just drink water.

Ramadan is a neat time to learn about the Islamic culture and religion as well as share more about ours. It opens up windows of opportunities to build relationships. Some of our Asha’s Refuge volunteers will be making visits with families to continue encouraging good health habits, communicate and gain understanding about our unique differences and deliver school supplies. If you would like to help us by making visits with us, please let us know. We are still currently collecting school uniforms of all sizes, the regular type school supplies and backpacks. Thank you in advance for your prayers and support.