During the past months Kimberley and I have been working as volunteers. We were lucky to meet and "help" Johan Cloud, Vamilia, Essouira, Joulee, Kely and thennnn,nnnn,nnnn and....This wonderfull family from Burundi spent more them 13 year in a refugee camp in Congo. There they brought up their families and hoped for a new start somewhere else.
The experience in itself was very interesting as I learn more about their cultures and about their individual personalities. They spoked little English and I little French or Swahili, but this did not stop us from interacting and learning more about each other.
It is interesting observing the behavior of the newcomer. IN my experience traveling I felt unsafe, unfamiliar and uncomfortable with the new setting, and all I needed to feel comfortable again was a friendly smile from someone local.
I was lucky to meet some other volunteer, as well, like Phyllis Wilians. Phyllis is a wander full person wish lots of live experience and insights. We are now doing Swahilli classes here in Darwin. The language has similar sounds as the Portuguese language so I think that is going to be very easy to learn. The other top volunteers were: John Kabaly, Marinel, Sharon and Jess Prescott.
Last night, the family lefts to Melbourne in search of greener pastures and to encounter their friends once more. I wish them all the best and recommend every one to meet and welcome a refugee family.
Courage, determination, strength, character, hope and love. I got all this out of the process.
FREE THE REFUGEES :-)
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