These are questions I have been asked about our time at Moria. If you have anymore, feel free to comment below.
Let’s go!
Where exactly are you?
We are on an island in Greece called Lesvos, and we are staying in a town called Mytilene. The camp is in Moria which is about 15 minutes away by bus. The island is right beside Turkey.
So are the conditions as bad as you thought? And what are you and your team doing at the camp?
No. I expected way worse conditions.
We do a lot. It’s basically something different every time you turn around. We are working under a non-governmental organization called euro relief. The main thing we do is “housing”. This consist of finding places for the new arrivals who are just coming into camp, moving other people around, census, deliver doctors tickets, structure tear down, and there’s probably more. Aside from housing, we guard gates to protected areas (women and unaccompanied minor boys), and work on “info”. Info looks a lot like answering people’s questions. A lot of questions. It can be physically and emotionally draining. We also occasionally get invited into tents to have tea or food.
What all are y’all doing there talking to people or like providing?
Kind of answered this question above. We do have a lot of interactions with people, and in a way we are helping provide.
How have the Team members been able to serve and help the refugees and each other at Moria?
Some of the answer is above. As for helping each other at Moria, I’m glad I’m not here alone. We are there for each other when someone has a tough day. We are here to listen to each other. We are here to pray for each other. We are here to share what we’re struggling with in regards to the camp. It helps to not keep everything we see and experience bottled up. We are here to help each other and build up one another.
How are they feeding that many people?
Right… So there are 5,500 people who get 3 meals a day. It’s a lot. Basically there is a catering service. They bring in a big van three times a day. The people go through a food line and have to show an ID card to get their food. Breakfast is the same everyday. It’s a chocolate croissant. For lunch and dinner, some of the same meals are rotated. Either chicken & rice, chicken & green peas, a sandwich, potatoes & meat, or beans. All the meals come with bread. I’ve also seen people with hard-boiled eggs and feta cheese. They sometimes get fresh food like cucumbers or tomatoes.
What times do you work?
We work five or six days a week. Morning shift (8am to 5 or 6pm) or evening shift (4pm to 12 or 1am). Some of the guys work the midnight shift (12am to 8am).
What type of place were y’all able to get to stay at since you will be there longer than normal? Do you have hot water?
This is a mom question! We are staying in an apartment and we do have hot water… sometimes! But we are no longer in the middle east where we have to worry about running out of water.
Are you ready to go to the next country?
No, but yes. I would love to come back and volunteer at the camp again.
What kind of people have you met?
We’ve met all kinds of people. The refugees are from different countries, cultures, religions, and languages. There are unborn babies, old people, and everything in between. As for volunteers, we have worked alongside a group called I58. I think they are Mennonites. We’ve also met volunteers from Brazil, Holland, and Austria.
Are the people friendly?
Most of them. While walking around camp you will hear “my friend” a billion times.
Are there many kids?
Yes. So many kids. Everywhere.
Do they just want love and attention?
I’d say no. They want more living space and to leave the camp.
Where do people go when they leave?
This is a hard question. I’m not 100 percent sure. They go to different places. I think most people get transfered to a different refugee camp. (I’m not sure how they get completely out of a camp.) I’ve heard some get transfered to hotels or apartments. If someone has family established in a different part of the world, I think it is easier for them to get out and go live with them. I’m not sure how common this is.
Are the people in the camp from Greece or somewhere else?
The police are Greek and the doctors are Greek. I think. Out of 5,500 refugees, 80% of the refugees are from Afganistan. Others are from Syria, Iran, Iraq, Somalia, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Niger, the Congo, Cameroon, Mali, Yemen, Pakistan. There are also Kurdish people. Over 40 nationalities are represented here.
Why are there refugees?
People are fleeing from war. Many leave Afganistan to avoid being drafted into the military. If they stay in their country, they are forced to join the Taliban or another fighting force. There are also other reasons. They all have them.
How do the refugees find the camp?
I’m not exactly sure how they know where to go, but I’ve heard a couple stories. Most of them are just trying to get to Europe. One man I talked to said he walked for three months. He started in Afganistan, went through Iran, then to Turkey. Another man said he got to Iran from Afganistan using a passport. From there he used smugglers to get to Turkey. The boat he was on actually got caught and sent back to Turkey. On the second try, they made it. From what I’ve heard, there are smugglers in Turkey who charge like $800 a person if you want to leave. They put you on a boat, tell you how to drive it, and tell you to drive towards the lights. We can see Turkey across the water. It’s not too far. So the people try to cross the waters during the night without getting caught. Once they reach an island, there is a coast guard group who patrols the Agean islands. They are picked up from whatever part of the island and brought to the camp.
Are you learning new languages?
We learned a little bit of Arabic while we were in the Arab countries (Lebanon, Jordan, and Palestine) so sometimes we get to use that. While in the camp, I’ve picked up a little bit of Farsi (Persian). This is the language of the Afgans. I know how to say hello, good morning, how are you, good, tea, milk, tomorrow, thank you, yes, no, and goodbye.
How many weeks do you have left?
We have two weeks left.
How are you?
Khoob. It means good. I really enjoy volunteering at the camp and getting to know people and their culture. It’s hard work and there’s a lot to it, but this place has made an impact on my life. I hope I’ve done the same with some of the people here.
How can we be praying for you?
Pray for the people at the camp and the longer term volunteers. Pray that those of us who want to come back and serve will be able to do so. I’d also like prayer for finishing the Race strong and transitioning back home. We have about 4 months left. It sounds like a long time, but I know it will fly by.
How is your team?
We are doing okay. We all have days where we are tired, but we know it’s not in vain. We have each other. As far as I know, we all love what we are doing and would stay longer.
What is the most unexpected way you’ve seen Gods hand evident in Moria?
I think this hit me when we first started working at the camp. First off, the conditions weren’t as bad as I was expecting. I went in thinking these people have nothing, but I so clearly saw God as Provider. The people are here illegally as foreigners, yet they aren’t abandoned. They have shelter. We give them clothes, food, water, heaters, insurance, and doctor visits. They even have their own debit card that is reloaded each month. We are trying to help get them into a better situation. No, they aren’t the best conditions, and I wouldn’t choose for anyone to live this way, but they are not abandoned. And that’s God.
Where have you seen Christ at the camp?
All over.
Fun fact: I learned that my name, Brishna, is actually an Afgan name. One of our translator’s mom’s middle name is Brishna. It’s spelled exactly the same! Multiple people in camp have told me that it is an Afgan name that means light.
My parents didn’t know this when they named me, at least I don’t think they did. But from the beginning, God knew. And He revealed it to me through the people at this camp when I needed it. The first few days walking through the camp, it’s like what do we really have to offer? Can we really help? Is there anything we can do? When I was left feeling useless, He reminded me that we are the light!
Know that the LORD your God is God, the faithful God who keeps his gracious covenant loyalty for a thousand generations with those who love him and keep his commands. Deuteronomy 7:9
