Thinking and wondering .. 

Back only a few hours from a camp in northern greece.. It already seems far away. Again I have met many wonderful people who will remain in my heart forever.. 

I think of the young father, in his early 30s with his wife, daughter of 3 and baby of 18 months.  In Syria he was a well respected Tailor, running a business with 25 machines making sports clothes. I think  how he is  always so smiley and always so happy to help . I think how he thanked me telling me I had made his children very happy.  I think of the baby, so funny and cheerful and always wanting to dance.  I think of his daughter kissing me to thank me and hugging me goodbye.   I wonder how long this beautiful family will have to wait  before being allowed to settle and make a life, how long before this talented Tailor is able to make a living and provide for his family.  

I think of a serene, kind, petit, beautiful lady from Iraq in camp with her 1 year old son and husband.. she is 4 months pregnant and was training to be an Arabic teacher in University when she and her family had to flee.  I wonder whether she will be able to continue her studies and I wonder where she will end up.  I hope they are settled before the new baby arrives. 

I think of the sparky 10 year old girl in camp with her 3 brothers  and parents.  I think how she would always be first in line for the skipping.  I remember how when she got tired her tongue would stick out.. she would shout “want fire fire” which meant fast fast.  We would speed up and she would laugh in delight. I think how happy she was when we made bracelets and necklaces and how she pouted if I didn’t let her jump the skipping queue.  She asked me not to leave, I smiled hugged her and told her I had to go.  My emotions tightly in check so not to upset her.  

I think of the 19 year old young man.  He was a  Shepherd in Syria, he made a flute out of pipework and showed how he would call shown the sheep from the mountains. So resourceful and full of  energy and fun.  Even joining in painting nails which was hilarious to see. Although hanging only from his feet from the goal posts shouting “Emma look” gave me quite a shock.  He is on his own in camp and helps every day to complete the women’s centre, always smiling, always helpful. So much talent and strength of character I wonder where he will go to and what he will do.  I believe he could do absolutely anything if only given a chance.  

I think about people who want to keep these amazing unique talented individuals out of their countries and wonder if they met them would they feel the same.  I don’t think it’s possible because the resilience, warmth, generosity and kindness of the people I have met is mind blowing and you can’t ignore this. 

There are so many more people that I am thinking and wondering about. But for now I need to try and prepare my own incredibly lucky son for university. 

People to people solidarity 💓