Through these blog entries I tried to portray the reality I encountered here as much as I could, or rather, as much as I was able to understand. All the different views and perspectives that we faced throughout the last few days, gave us the common ground for endless discussions between one another, with friends and strangers alike.
Yesterday I had the opportunity to have a discussion with two of the readers and trainees at our lessons - both Syrian legal immigrants who came to Lebanon with their family four years ago. Their life experience, and the deep portfolio that they shared with us is one truly inspiring story. A story which, if seen on the media, would hardly be considered as a reality. But having a woman in front of you with her eyes welling up with tears just by recalling the episodes is one whole other thing. I will not narrate or explain anything today since I believe there are more important lessons than just the story...
Another story means yet another perspective. However, these stories are coming from individuals who through the expression and depth of their gaze, emit only positivity, dreams and ambitions. This meant a real lot to me. Through their explanations I could delve deeper into the complexity of the situation and their problems, and that all the perspectives that I mentioned, even in previous blogs, are only truly real depending on the person's list of priorities.
But wait... I can never understand completely what they are truly feeling!
My only problem is that I was born in a loving family, lacking practically nothing, in a country which can relatively be considered as a paradise. No conflicts, no wars, no sickness, no abject hunger... but rather, comfortable living, perfect health, fine education and endless opportunities. How could I ever understand?
Arriving as an outsider to a country like Lebanon with its mixed population - both citizens and refugees who are considered as victims in some way or another - it is definitely difficult to understand. I can never put myself in their shoes. In fact, some of the discussions that we held highlighted the confusion in our minds, that is, to who and how shall we give aid. At certain points, we thought whether we are actually capable or even, whether we should give help at all.
"I hope that humanitarian rights will never end up as a burden to politicians or ourselves", - Steph, agara volunteer.
My only conclusion...
"You are only a drop in the ocean, but without you the ocean would be different", - Mother Theresa
I believe I will have to continue to try and live with this thought in my mind. Forget positions, forget statuses, forget appearances, colour or religions... instead just do good wherever you can with every little opportunity. "If you only know how to peel potatoes than do only that and do it with love!" Mother Teresa.
If I had a dollar right now in my pocket, to whom shall I give it?
Through all my thoughts and confusion, I believe I would opt for the first person who asks my help in any form or manner. I will try not to judge him or her... after all who am I to qualify the needs of others? If a second one comes, than by the grace of God, I might be able to help in some other way... "If you can't help a person physically, than help him by your presence by listening and sharing of his/her thoughts!" - Steph.
This led me to understand Nada's position when she founded Keen International: having an open door to vulnerable persons who are seeking empowerment. Her first moves were simply of listening to young girls who faced particular decisions like she did.
Maybe I understood only this from all these experiences; listening and being present to another person is the simplest form of sustainable empowerment... isn't this what agara is meant to be all about after all?
#walkingtogether #tearingborders