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A Record of the BAGE Family History The Afghanistan Bage Family Article from USA Today by Mark Memmott about families in Afghanistan in Dec. 2002 Families' progress There also have been many direct changes in the lives of people here since spring and summer. In August, Sakhidad Bage, 70, and his wife, Sakina, 60, feared winter. Only one room of their home was repaired. They needed space for themselves and the 12 members of their son's family. CHF had only enough money to help families in Anbar Somuch and nearby villages repair a single room each. "We will die," Sakina said then, worrying about the illnesses that could hit the family in such tight quarters and cold conditions. Also in August, Jumma, 50, was just beginning to get his strength back. His 16-year-old son Mehrab died in late April, killed by cold temperatures during the five-day walk home from the village where they lived while in exile. In early May, Jumma had been so sad he could barely talk. In August, he was stronger but had no permanent roof for himself, his wife and three remaining children. Tent material covered their home. At least for this winter, both families' problems are solved. Bage and his family moved just outside the village to an abandoned home with more space and a good roof. Jumma and his much smaller family moved into the one good room in Bage's house. Jumma will live there for free this winter, in exchange for clearing ice and snow from the roof |
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