For the past two weeks, my team has been working at the camp. We greet the refugees with a smile and warm hello at the front gate/monitor how many can go in to minimize mass chaos.
We had one day where around 1,200 refugees were at the camp at 6:45 am when we arrived for our 11 hour shift. A mob broke out at the front gate- people pushing and shoving others to try to get in (little did they know that everyone would get to go inside and get on a bus).
Families got separated that day. I watched three small children around the ages of 5,4, and 3 while others searched for their parents. I could see the fear in their eyes and hear the pain in their cries, but I was unable to console or comfort them. They didn’t speak any English, and I was a complete stranger from a different country. Although we hoped and prayed to find their parents, the reality is we did not know if we would. Some families get separated and are not able to find their loved one.
I held the 3 year old while the 4 year old wailed and sobbed despite his 5 year old sister’s attempts at comfort. She had to be the “strong one.”
A man came by who recognized the children and knew their father. Because of the mob outside he was unable to get out of the camp to look for him. We moved to the front gate and another man came by who also knew their father. Thankfully, shortly after, their father was found and the family reunited.
Once we let families into the camp, we pass out fruit (bananas or apples), high energy biscuits (crackers), and a bottle of water.
In the evening, we open the clothing tent. Almost everyone is at least a little wet. We have to determine if the person is soaking wet and in need of dry clothes. I did not work in this area, but I can see how it would chaotic and stressful.
Next, we pass out free bus tickets. I spent most of my time in this area. My teammate Kyle would call out the letter and color and round up the families. I would make sure families are together, put them in a line, and send them down to my teammate Rosie who put them on the bus.
I enjoyed this position. Nearly everyone is excited to get on a bus. It’s so refreshing to see smiles as they ride off to their next destination. Granted, they may be thinking they are going to Athens when they are actually going about 30 minutes away to another camp. After that camp, they are taken to the capital of Lesvos. This is where registration takes place. Once registered, they can catch a ferry to Athens, and then continue their journey to whatever European country they desire.
My favorite part of working the buses is the wait time. As we are waiting for the buses to arrive, I have a window of a few minutes to 30 minutes to talk with them. Some speak no English and our interaction is merely smiles and waves. Others understand and speak a little English. Our conversations usually consist of where are you from? Confused look appears on their face.. I ask more specifically- Syria, Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan (these are the most common places)? Where are you going? Germany, Sweden, Switzerland?
I met one family from Afghanistan who did not know where in Europe they would go. They made the dangerous voyage in 2010 due to war and economic hardship. After living in Norway for 4 years, they were denied asylum and got deported. Unable to survive in Afghanistan after 10 months of trying, they made the journey a second time. “The trip the second time was much more dangerous. We thank God we made it.”
When camp is slow, we pick up trash. This is a very important task because the locals do not want the camp to exist and threaten to shut it down if it is not clean and well kept.
While picking up trash one day, an Afghan boy began helping. He is heading to Sweden and dreams of being an astronaut. When I asked if he is traveling with family, he told me “I am alone.” Two friends from his community came with him, but they are not going to Sweden. With tears in his eyes he told me his parents, doctors in Afghanistan, were killed by the Taliban.
My heart was shattered. Who is going to take care of this 16 year old boy? Why God? He’s so kind and smart and full of dreams.
I wish I knew the answer to this question. I wish I could do more to help this boy…I can’t. I did my part. Now I am praying and believing that God will take care of him.
Does God want to use you? Do you know that kind words and a smile can make an impact? I had countless refugees thank me for my smile. One man said, “We have been traveling for a month, and my father was tired. Seeing your smile gave him the energy he needed to continue.”
How can you show someone God’s love today?
