Update! We are working at a camp in Idomeni, Greece. It is near the border of Macedonia. After leaving the Greek Islands, refugees take a ferry to Athens and then catch a bus straight to this camp. (We actually took the same journey).
It’s set up to be a transitional point. Food,water, and clothing are distributed. Medical facilities and activities for children such as coloring and clowns are available. There are several large heated tents to stay warm while waiting to cross the border.
Refugees only stay at the camp for several hours. Groups are taken over the border to Macedonia 24/7.
The past two days, Macedonia has limited it’s borders to Syrian, Afghan, and Iraqis only. Thousands of people are stuck at the camp with no information of what is next for them. People are protesting. Army vehicles and police with riot shields are in place to keep peace. Thousands of people are waiting near the border hoping to continue their journey.
We are working in the clothing tent as well as the supply warehouse. We sort and organize the clothing and then bring it over to the camp for distribution.
In a perfect world this goes smoothly… Not quite the case at the camp. Refugees swarm the tent. Volunteers come and drop off clothes in the tent when no one is there. Boxes and bags left unaccompanied get destroyed and scattered by the refugees.
Working at the camp has been taxing on our teams. It’s difficult to see such pain, to be limited in the help you can offer, and to not have an easy solution to the worldwide problem.
Please pray for us and the other volunteers to have the strength to serve these people with love. Please pray for wisdom for the governments in the European Union of how to best handle the refugee crisis. Please pray for the safety of the refugees.
