Refugee camps. We hear about them all the time in the US, but what do we really know about them?
I was pretty ignorant going into this new experience. During the first meeting we had with Zeljko, he told us that we might get to go with them to the refugee corridor. We were so excited since that had been something we were all so passionate about & also something that had been part of our listening prayer going into this ATL month.
And then suddenly it was Friday — less than a week into arriving in Europe & there we were — completely ignorant of what to do or how to act.
We were given little orientation to this situation. Wave Projects had been helping refugees for years, but they hadn’t yet been to this camp. It was very close to the Croatian border in the north & this weekend was just a surveillance trip to find out what needs were there.
Our instructions were to stay in groups. They were not yet sure of how safe it would be here, so it was very important that we were always with other people until they gave us the go ahead.
Easy enough.
We arrived at the Velika Kladusa camp mid-afternoon, tired from the 6 hour ride yet full of eagerness to serve. We had a touch of hesitation due to the unknown, but we were ready. Just stay with the group.
Stepping out of our cars, we stood there together just looking at what was in front of us. It was basically just a field full of tents, trash, & lots of people. These were the refugees: people who had traveled from Iran, Afghanistan, Syria, & Pakistan & they ended up here.
Where do you even start?
I had no idea what to do, but I knew I didn’t want to just stare at them. I took a step forward, away from our group. As I surveyed what was before me, I took in the gravity of the situation. My mind was trying so hard to grapple with what in the world ignorant, low-budgeted me could offer these people so far from home. My thoughts were so occupied with how best to not screw it up when I felt so unqualified that I nearly missed him.
A small, shy boy approached me. His smile was uncertain but it did the trick — instantly I was in love. He reached up & took my hand.
My hesitation was only for a split second — I had to go with him.
I followed my sweet new friend to a blanket in front of a tent where two women & a man sat. They beckoned me with their hands to sit, & after taking my shoes off, I joined them on the ground. Their English was poor but they were so happy to see me.
Me.
I didn’t understand. I literally had nothing to offer them. But they talked to me as much as they could. My little buddy’s older cousin stopped by to translate a little bit, & I got to hear more about them. Soon I met other cousins & as I found myself completely delighted by this precious family, my little man found a seat in my lap & he curled up to snuggle me.
This is what it was to be in a refugee camp?
We spent hours there just spending time with people. I later found out that Zeljko had been furious at me for directly disobeying his instructions, which he had a right to be. Not long after I had been sitting with this family, a fight broke out. There were various reports of what started it, but what I am sure of is that tent poles were being used to beat the opposition, & our team had to gather to keep from getting in the middle of it.
I missed my little guy so much the moment I had to leave him!
But I got back to him eventually & met his twin, who wasn’t at all the cuddle bug that my guy was but a super active boy’s boy. He reminded me so much of my nephews Ian & Hudson that I fell in love with him, too. I spent time with him on my shoulders, walking around the camp & meeting other people. We fought with “swords” & I twirled him around. I loved these twins!
Shortly after arriving at camp, a non-profit organization also arrived, & they had brought a crew of guys with supplies. They were going to build shelters for as many people as possible in the camp.
Now this I could do.
I might not be particularly skilled, but I could use a tape measure, hammer, & saw. I stayed long enough with one of the non-profit guys to learn the measurements needed & I began cutting 2x4s to size, putting them in place & then nailing them together. It’s a rectangular base with posts on each corner. The ones in the back are higher in order to allow for a slanted roof. Then heavy twine is wound around the rectangularly placed boards on top of the posts to create somewhat of a support for the roof before the tarp is placed over top. A nail gun makes sure the tarp stays in place.
Admittedly, I didn’t do anything particularly outstanding, but I loved every moment of it. Partially because I hoped I was making my dad so proud at home…he’s the one who taught me how to use tools, & it’s because of him I could confidently help. But also because one of the shelters I got to help build belonged to a friend I made while at the camp.
My friend is an Iranian Kurd — a teacher looking for a better life. Though the shelters truly aren’t much, it was such an honor to help my friend build his shelter. Every part of our conversation was so wonderful. It didn’t matter how long he had been traveling or the hardships he had faced — he was so positive & thankful for the people who had showed him kindness. & I got to add to that just a tiny bit by helping build his shelter. If you’re reading this now — be safe, my friend — I am still cheering for a better life for you.
Everyone we talked to had a different story. Some just knew that there is so much more out there than what the laws of their country allow them. Some were very sad. There were some fleeing for their lives. Many of them were families. Many had been on their journey for years already. Years they had spent without a permanent home. Without guarantee of safety. Without the comfort of friends or family.
But that’s the thing about refugees. They are made of something incredibly tough & durable. They have weathered innumerable hardships but they keep going forward.
Many we met had been caught going across the Croatian border. They were beaten & their phones were deliberately smashed. Yet they would try again.
Most of them were going to Germany, but some to Italy, Switzerland, or England. They often have to depend on the kindness of others to keep them fed or sheltered. Some make choices out of desperation to protect their families, but refugees in general become each other’s family.
One family we met from Afghanistan was actually eager to leave a safe place where they had provisions in order to be with other refugees. It’s a bond that I believe must be hard to comprehend unless you’ve lived along side them in the difficult life they are living. I didn’t personally understand it but it was beginning to make sense.
It’s hard to form words that could adequately convey the emotions that come with being at Velika Kladusa camp, but the one thing that I can tell you is how outrageously humbled I feel. I will never forget those people who had so little inviting me into their tents & offering me what little food they had.
They weren’t even sure where tomorrow’s meal would come from, yet they offered me their food. Every instinct in my body screamed at me to turn away their proffered food, & at first I did. I couldn’t take the very bread out of the mouths of children!
But then I realized that this wasn’t their first day as refugees.
They knew exactly what life looked like for their family & they knew exactly how hard they would fight to keep their family safe & fed. I didn’t need to save them from hunger.
I needed to give them dignity.
These are people just like us, & I was in their house. It was their heart’s desire to feed me just as if I were in their home country with them. So after refusing the first time, I took the chips offered to me & I drank the apple juice that was put in my hand. I even sipped a second glass that they insisted I have. It may sound like I’ve done something terrible, but I looked into their eyes & knew this was what they wanted. To feel like more than just sojourning pilgrims, but like a normal family who was proud to take care of a guest.
Even now my heart feels like it will burst with gratefulness. I went to love these people, but instead they loved me. I brought them nothing & they gave me everything they had. I was so humbled by their spirit, so spurred on by their endurance, & so honored by their friendship.
There are more stories to tell & more feelings to convey, but I’ll let you sit with this for now. For every one of you who supports me financially or through prayer, this is what you are allowing me to be a part of. To help build shelters for those in need. To bring dignity to those who have been away from home so long. To listen to people who need someone to care about their stories. & on my side — you’ve allowed me the life-changing encounter of being loved by complete strangers from another country with another religion who want nothing from me but to have me sit in their house & hear their story.
Thank you for this invaluable experience. God has opened my eyes to people in a completely new way, & because of these people I want to love differently. I want to give without a thought. I want to fight harder & longer, & it all started with a little boy who without words just reached up to take my hand. I am so so blessed.
