Day 5

Day 5

Dear Students,

Today we went to a different refugee camp. Because the roads are so bad and the camp is built on the hill we had to hike in. The first thing I want to tell you to be thankful for today is air-conditioning. It is so hot and humid here! As we started to walk in all the kids ran to the edge of the camp to say hello. These children were a lot more timid than at the other camps. The other thing that stuck out to me immediately was the beauty of the landscape and camp. While it was such dire conditions it surely was stunning. Makeshift houses dotted the hillsides while rice fields surrounded the valleys. The homes were once again co stricter out of bamboo and tarps. Literally just a small rectangle and the entire family lived inside. Most of them have little to no possessions.

We began our assent through the living structures to the top of the hill where the children’s center was. A rectangular room full of mats where the kids can come to play and learn.

Upon arrival we started the day by hearing more of the stories of the refugees. These too told of family members being killed while villages were burned to the ground and they had to flee for their lives. Each story a little different but each story wound with the same thread of sadness and heartbreak.

After hearing stories we were able to pass out the dolls you guys made as well as other dolls made by people all over the US. To many of the kids this would be their only toy and to some their only possession. As we climbed the hills the children began to come out from their bamboo huts and approach us wearily at first but with time more forcefully. We handed them the dolls and they scooped them up with their faces full of joy and smiles.

The other thing that was fascinating was showing them their reflection in our phones. I don’t know if they had ever seen their own faces before and they would giggle and run away but then come back to see again. It was so cute.

We ended the day by weaving a bamboo roof atop a hill. It was neat to see the many ways they have invented to use the bamboo and to have a little look into what it is like to build a structure.

When I think about the message I want to leave you with today I’m thinking about what Mother Teresa taught. She said that not everyone can do great things but everyone can do small things with great love. Think about that. We can’t all literally change the world but we can all do things that change our world. We can all do things that are small but make a difference to someone. Who can you help today? What small act of kindness can you do that will make a difference to someone? I want you to specifically think of one thing you can do today to serve and help someone else. Then do it. And smile. And choose to be happy.

Miss yah all!