Lens Inside a Refugee Camp: Glimpse 1
On March 7th, I completed my first shift volunteering at Camp Moria, a temporary home to thousands of refugees in Lesvos, Greece. The refugees come from many countries including Syria, Somalia, Palestine, Sudan, Iraq, Yemen, Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan, Egypt and beyond. All have well-founded grounds for fear of persecution and most are fleeing from a homeland where murder, rape, beheadings and torture is out of control. In some cases, they have walked hundreds of miles while carrying children to get to Turkey. From there they pay extraordinary amounts of money to board unsafe rafts and boats to make the six kilometer treacherous journey to a Greek island. Many have been scammed out of their money multiple times by people who are preying on them. Most are sold fake life jackets that will actually instantly drown them if they end up in the water. Few know how to swim. The previous day, more than twenty-five refugees drowned on their journey.
On my first day I worked the camp entry point for all refugees. Before they can even begin the registration process, we route, count and wristband them depending on their country of origin. It was very windy today and every man, woman and child was soaking wet, frozen, and unable to stop shaking. It was heartbreaking. Most speak Arabic or Farsi, so communication as we get them processed is challenging. The only way I knew how to comfort them without speaking their language was to squeeze their hands, look them in the eye, and nod in a way to tell them they would be OK. For as primitive as that sounds, it was a very effective way to communicate compassion without words. The vast majority smiled back but in some cases it was clear they were in some type of shock.
After we get them a wristband, other volunteers route the refugees to give them blankets, dry clothes, food and if required, medical attention. The volunteers are from all over the world. Most volunteers have paid their own way to be there for the refugees. From students to doctors to nurses to moms and beyond, every volunteer is an empath and their compassion is palpable.
Many friends have expressed concern for my safety and it’s important to know that I feel safer in the camp than I do in many big cities. Remember, these human beings are running for their lives and they are so thankful for everything the volunteers do for them. Their hearts are filled with nothing but gratitude. We are all human beings and caring for someone in need is one of the most fulfilling opportunities life has to offer. And for those who fear that a terrorist is trying to sneak in as a refugee, you need to take a deep breath and exhale. America has let 1.5 million middle eastern refugees into our country since 911 and not one has committed a terrorist act on our soil. Today, our refugee vetting process takes 18+ months. If a terrorist wanted to get into America, the last route they would ever take is the refugee route. They would happily pay a king’s ransom for fake passports to make a quick entry via a normal route or get smuggled in through an endless list of options.
Lastly, the world is simply dumbfounded at the rise of Donald Drumpf. Almost without exception, every volunteer asked me about him. America has never looked uglier to the rest of the world. The comparisons to Hitler were never-ending.
Out of fear for the refugees’ safety and a deep respect for everything they are going through, photos are not allowed, so I don’t plan on taking any. I want to channel my energy into initiatives that help the refugees and that just doesn’t make the cut.
Please pray for the refugees. #BeKind
