My first days here, I was surprised by the welcoming greetings and thankful hearts of most people in camp as they waved and said “hello, my friend”. I didn’t know their names or their stories yet. Now I know many more people thanks to the art of gate guarding. I know their names, their stories, and I have built beautiful relationships with them. Now, as I walk up and down the hill of the refugee camp, it sounds more like “Chetori Lala, Khubi?” (in farsi “How are you Lala, are you fine?”) A couple of my younger friends call me “Abjé” (sister). One of my friends tells her 3-year-old son to call me “Khale Lala” (aunt Lala), and I just love it! I thought that coming here would mean taking a huge step out of my comfort zone, but I feel pretty comfortable here. In Spanish we would say “Estoy en mi salsa”. I know for sure that the hardest part will be leaving.
I’ve made friendships in camp that will not end when I leave Lesvos. I’ve been able to spend a lot of time with them, mostly outside of camp. We’ve been out for ice cream, shared many meals and so many teas, gone out for a run, been to church, and sat and talked for a long time. I’m really grateful for all those amazing relationships I got to build during this time.
Grace /ˈgrās/: unmerited assistance given to someone for their regeneration or sanctification.
Before I came here, I was told that the only thing that never changes about camp is that it’s always changing. That’s true. Well, partially true. What I have to do and how I do things is always different but the why always stays the same. So, why am I here?
I came here as a missionary, and by no means did I come to get conversion trophies. I came to accompany people in their suffering. To be a friend for them during these hard times, and share with them the reason for the hope that I have. To share the love and the joy that can only come from above, and let them know that they can also have that. I’m here because there’s a gracious God that loves them and cares for them. His goodness and grace are no secret in this place. It’s so real and so amazing!
I experienced it not long after I arrived in camp.
Olive Grove (AKA ‘the jungle’) is the worst zone in camp according to many people. It may not be a good place to be during the winter, but this place has the best view in camp and witnesses the best sunrises and sunsets.
One of my first days in camp I was up in the jungle, and all I saw was despair. People that were forced out of their countries had to sleep in a place like this. Cold, and sometimes wet. I’m a huge fan of adventure and camping, and have even had my tent flooded before. I even get a little excited when those type of things happen. But I understood that not everyone was like that, and having to sleep in these conditions without even liking the outdoors is not fun. Many agree that there’s absolutely nothing good about the jungle. As I was thinking that, I turned around and I saw the most amazing sunset in the mountains. And then I knew that in the midst of disaster, where nothing good should happen, where even in suffering there is so much evil, where people have no compassion for one another knowing that they have been there themselves, there is grace. I knew then that the hands that hold the universe are also holding this camp, and that God’s abounding grace is always there.
About my Shifts
Morning shifts are a change from day to night. One morning shift could look like this: Arrive in camp at 8am. My friends from new arrivals greet me. Some say “Hola, como estas? Como te fue hoy?” (Yes, in spanish) with their Afghan accent. I census and check where I can house new arrvials. 5 year-old Ahmed finds me, sticks with me for whatever I’m doing. Convince people to make some space in their temporary homes for the new arrivals. Answer many questions. Say “no” to a lot of their requests. Say hello here and there. Insist that if they don’t accept the new family, they will have to sleep outside for the night. Have a meal and tea with a friend. Again, negotiate with the people to make room for the family that just arrived. Help new arrivals move in. Finally.
It wasn’t all morning shifts after my last post. I still worked many nights, but it was not bad at all. It was fun going back to the gates and being with my friends. I heard so many stories, had so many funny moments, saw many fights, so much sorrow, and witnessed so many good things.
I’ve treasured every minute I’m here. My team just left, and things will look a little different for me on these last days. For now, all I can say is that I’ll be staying on a boat in Mytilene! Who would’ve thought?
Stay tuned…I’ll tell you all about it!
You can read all the posts from my time in this refugee camp in Greece here!
