People of nowhere
Macedonia. I'd heard about it before but only because it was one of the flags I drew in one of the few educational activities I got pulled into when working with "the kids." Before then, I didn't know where it is, or that it was even a country. Macedonia has since become more than just a flag I recently drew. Can't help but to see that such a minor activity could add a glimpse into what my future then, did hold.
Refugees
As volunteers it would seem pretty obvious that we follow the needs of a broken world. Macedonia is merely one of the countries through which fleeing Syrian, Afghan and other refugees travel in the hope of reaching any recipient European countries. Sadly though, borders are currently closed to refugees on all sides. And yet, stagnant as they are, there has never been a more ample opportunity.
This may come across as selfish, maybe even inhumane to see this as an opportunity. It all depends on perspective really. However, circumstances such as these are pivotal - they make for the most moving stories. Conversing with people who have left their entire past, everything they once knew in pursuit of safety and a more wholesome future, is humbling. Even more so, what a privilege. Over mountains and across seas, nothing is guaranteed. From families of 10 plus to lone rangers, they take on this voyage hoping that the grass is greener on the other side. One can't help but to wonder what the circumstances they are coming from are like for them to embark on such a journey. History is surely in the making.
Looking into an Afghani man's eyes while serving tea, I would be blind not to see it. The fight. The desperation. The strive to see it through. To but believe that the outcome is rewarding, and that his struggle isn't all in vain. I want to believe it, because he has lost both wife and 2 children as a result of a bomb in Afghanistan. This he communicates to me via a translator, a friend of his. Through it all he has chosen to hold on to hope and dignity. With a strong smile he takes the broom from my hand to sweep the wet floor, clearing puddles from all the rain that has gathered inside.
Truth be told, with each passing day, their identity as "people of nowhere" becomes more official. Here I am, carrying a 20 letre bottle of water with the help of a 4 year old girl, an absolute stunner. She has this screaming beauty about her. Also, she's clothed with scales from a spreading skin disease within the refugee camp. But she won't let go. Her hands are firm around mine as we carry the bottle of water to prepare more tea. And then she smiles at me and laughs, mumbling something in Arabic. I respond in Afrikaans. We are wholly connected.
They have food, beds and a warm shelter. They certainly have more than enough chai (Ceylon tea), we make sure of this. The once transit camp, now more of a settlement base, is often unhygienic. Not to mention the +/- 300 Syrians who have intentionally camped in 'no man's land', on the borderline of Macedonia and Serbia in basic tents. Far be that environment from hygienic, or anything close to humane. Were the borders to open, they want to be the first to board the train, that is their reasoning for such a decision.
Furthermore, the spirit within the camp is easily felt. In an attempt to lighten this we sing and sometimes we dance - the refugees love that. We share stories, connecting with them in their tents as they invite us in for some of the tea we prepared, even offering the food they have been provided with. Relationship has been our foundation. Regardless of the language barrier the constant presence of another is always felt.
Their journey seems pretty much the same as following Jesus - leaving everything you once knew and held on to in exchange for something you aren't always certain about. Still, you have little choice in the matter because staying in Syria or Afghanistan in such a time as this is likely to lead to death. And so you journey, trusting that the hope you have put into starting over will lead to more than just safety, that it will lead to life. What a beautiful image of faith. Foolish, hungry, ruddy faith. And hope - Colossians 1:26-29The Message (MSG):
"This mystery has been kept in the dark for a long time, but now it’s out in the open. God wanted everyone, not just Jews, to know this rich and glorious secret inside and out, regardless of their background, regardless of their religious standing. The mystery in a nutshell is just this: Christ is in you, so therefore you can look forward to sharing in God’s glory. It’s that simple. That is the substance of our Message. We preach Christ, warning people not to add to the Message. We teach in a spirit of profound common sense so that we can bring each person to maturity. To be mature is to be basic. Christ! No more, no less. That’s what I’m working so hard at day after day, year after year, doing my best with the energy God so generously gives me."
Our agenda laid down for this cause, we have decided to extend our stay. 10 days to make an impact, what else would you suggest we do?