Just as it was two weeks ago, I am here writing this blog from the comfort of home! After 22 hours of tiring travel we are back to this paradise which will never feel quite exactly like home... or perhaps the definition of home will now have to contain the extra baggage of experiences that we got back with us!
The past two days were merely travelling days for us. What a contrast from two weeks ago, when we were all still hyped up and full of energy, where time seemed to pass very quickly. Now, two weeks down the line, the journey felt too heavy. Physically tired, mentally drained and emotionally exhausted, minutes felt like hours and our mind on repeat: please get me home!
But heyyy, I ended up loving this blog, because how else could I digest all these thoughts and experiences spread over these past 15 days? Today might be our last vlog but definitely not our last thought!
So here it goes...
Part of the waiting hours at the airport allowed us much time for reflection. Paul asked us to mention the best experience we had. My first thought... pfft there were too many, I can't rank them! But if I had to I will choose this:
I will definitely keep him as an idol - the father, living in such conditions, with all the responsibility of working and trying to find enough food for their kids, problems and dreams of heading back to their home in Syria. But living his life - happy, serene, funny, communicating with his kids, laughing like one of them and making a wooden tent with some plastic sheets feel like home - yes, he will always be my idol!
He is that father who invited us in their house (refugee tent) just because we were part of his children's life for the past two weeks!
Apart from that there was a common feeling between us - a feeling that left us wanting for more. However this time wanting for more time with the volunteers and having the ability of doing more. Nonetheless all the experiences and perspectives that I shared previously with all of you will still remain as a confusion in our mind. It is that sort of confusion which makes you question what to do, where and how!
And here is the final clarification in the name of all my teammates. The best feeling, both for us and for the participants, was when we simply spent time with them. Listening, looking in the eyes and being present will forever be a priority in our minds!
I will stop here from my blogs but the projects will hopefully continue. Stay in contact with agara through Facebook and shortly we should start seeing new photos from the middle east!
And finally, of course, thank you:
● Nada Al Mais and Wakie Jarrah - thank you for hosting us, loving us and all the opportunities that you gave us.
● Keen international - thank you for the opportunity to work together on your project.
● Friends from the middle east - thank you for being so welcoming and excellent students.
● agara team - thank you for truly walking together this experiences!
Thank you all for your positive feedback and the courage to continue sharing our projects and experiences. Above all thank you for your time in reading the blogs!