There is something so special about women. We have completely different stories, backgrounds and histories. Yet, there is this shared bond of love and laughter. It is a humbling experience to be invited into someone’s life.
MacKenzie and Brittany laughing and conversing with the women at the gas station camp.
When we landed in Greece, I had no idea what to expect. I went hoping to see mountains moved and lives changed by Christ. I didn’t really expect to have my own life changed so dramatically.
It all started on our first day in the camp, Idomeni. Located just on the border between Greece and Macedonia, Idomeni hosts 13,000+ refugees from Syria, Afghanistan, Iran, and Pakistan. Families fleeing the terrors of war, leaving behind their homes. And sometimes their loved ones. As we walked into the camp, we stopped at a families tent who called greetings to us. They invited us into their tent, where they insisted we take their seats and sit. We only had a small offering of chocolate croissants and sunflower seeds to give them. They offered us coffee and cigarettes. As they boiled water over their campfire, I was struck at how giving this family was. They hardly had anything, food or clothing, and yet they were offering to us whatever they owned. I didn’t expect that in the least, and was shocked!
We sipped on bitter black coffee as this family shared with us tales of their home, and how they fled across the sea to get to safety. I sat in silence as the mother, Rhaf, shared that her two, 20 somethings sons never made it across the sea. Tears of grief streamed down her face. I had no idea what to say or do. I just sat there, with tears coming down my own face, imagining my own two brothers dying at sea. I was heartbroken for her. We just sat there and cried, and honestly I don’t think words needed to be said. I think she knew I grieved for her and her family. And then it hit me that womanhood is a beautiful thing.
The beautiful Rhaf.
As a woman stepping into the Muslim community, I knew there were certain cultural things to be aware of. We were encouraged as women to not look the men in the eyes, lest it gives away certain signals. And in order to gain the trust of the women, we were to only interact with them, again to stay away from certain presumptions. This was hard for me! I’m so used to looking at people in the eyes and smiling, but knowing their culture, and not wanting to offend or hurt anyone, I kept my eyes to myself.
Almost everyday we would go to Idomeni or another smaller camp by a gas station. Myself and a couple other girls were greeted by five or six women and asked to sit in their tent to escape the cold and the wind. Again, we were offered coffee with sugar. We tried to turn it down out of politeness, but they are very persistent! We sat there for hours laughing and talking, playing with their little babies. They told us their stories, and shared their hearts with us. And even though we all came from different backgrounds, different religions, I knew that there was something big happening. God was just pressing onto my heart how beautiful and valuable women are. I walked away from that experience knowing God was going to do something in my life with women.
The instant coffee poured into shot glasses, mixed with a teaspoon of sugar.
The month ended and we all came together as a squad for debrief. This debrief was different. Team changes were upon us. All month long, I had been dreading team changes. I loved my team and just didn’t see the need for change! But because God is so good, He changed my heart and my thoughts towards it. I began to trust God that whatever He had for me was going to be good. I just knew He was going to put me on a team with all girls. At first I was like, “Ohhh no, please don’t! I need the balance of men on my team!” God is so funny.
The day before teams changed, I was asked to become a Team Leader. I was excited and so, so nervous. And as they handed me the slip of paper with my new teammates, there was five girls written down. I had been chosen to lead five beautiful, incredible, talented, God-fearing women. And I knew that everything He had shown me in Greece was preparing me for this.
My beautiful new team, Spinning Arrow! From top left: Pamela, MacKenzie, Molly, Melissa. Bottom left: Me, Ally!
And day after day, He continues to reveal to me what my calling and passion is: to work alongside hurting women who do not know their identity in Christ. Women who do not know their worth or their value. It has been something I’ve always been passionate about, but it took sitting and laughing with hurting women to know what He has planned for me. Whether that’s working in the slums of Cambodia, buying a ranch in the mountains to help them heal, or just sitting and drinking coffee, I don’t know. But I’m excited to find out!
I believe that every woman has a story! And that every woman should be valued and loved by those around her. And that every woman is the beauty of the Lord.
“You shall be a crown of beauty in the hand of the Lord, and a royal diadem in the hand of your God. You shall no longer be termed Forsaken… but you shall be called My Delight Is in Her… for the Lord delights in you.” Isaiah 62
