Saturday – June 4

My last shift in camp – my last full day on the island.

After a few hour break from our 24 hour Skala shift, we set off for camp – or the detention center, depending how one feels about it that day.  We got there at 4 and walked through the gate.  It felt much calmer than last shift so that was a relief.  There are still tensions but there wasn’t this absolute pall of fear and confusion and hopelessness. We headed to the clothing tent area. It was good to see the two containers that had left Skala now in their places, shelves built, and the beginnings of restocked clothing.  These containers will be more secure so hopefully all will be well there.

There wasn’t as much actual work work this time as the person in charge of the clothing wanted to be there to supervise, and she wasn’t. There were very few tents to hand out so, other than “guarding” the clothing area and fending off a children’s rampage, it was a time to visit people, share with other volunteers, and even reflect a little bit, amidst the noise and the smells and the flow of people.

The previously mentioned children were just a small group of 6-8 year olds, with little to do and no supervision who decided to run through the clothing area and play dodge the volunteer!  It was mainly funny but also sad as there was a naughtiness there, reflecting the lack of security and care these little kiddos have.

Then we had our all too usual preevacuation prep as a large group of Pakistanis gathered and there was some concern that they might retaliate for the tent burning and all.  We locked up the clothing area and gsthered at the info tent.  A few of us were set up the hill to be closer to the back gate.  However, it all calmed down and the up the hill gang started a volleyball match with a number of the young men.  I don’t play, so after watching for a bit, I headed back down to info and the best part of the day began – visiting  friends, meeting new ones, and watching snatches of joy play out in children’s games, women’s smiles, and even some music.

I spent good time with my Afghani family, holding the baby again – she and I had some important conversations.  The younger daughter in the family attached herself to me for much of the rest of the day.  We sat together by the info tent, just being close.  Her slightly Asian face will be with me always, as a piece of me will be with her.

Sitting outside the info tent is the best seat in the house.  The whole world passes by.  Mostly it is exchanged smiles and nods, but sometimes someone comes up just for a hug and the nonverbal communication of our faces.  I am so drawn to the women.  There is such a strong feeling of connection even with no verbal language.  Oh I so pray that they see both God’s love and mine in our moments.  And here, I too, run out of words.  A gift of heartbreak and seeing.

As I was sitting on my overturned trash bin, a beautiful African woman walked by.  We smiled and then she came over.  She spoke English well enough for us to talk.  She is Nigerisn, named Sandra.  We were drawn to each other right away – it’s always Africa with me!  I listened to her story a bit.  For a reason I never discerned, she couldn’t stay long, but she did go off to bring her friend back. His name is Divine (isn’t that great?  I may change mine!) and he’s also Nigerian.  They both got here on their own but have become friends and maybe it will be something more.  We talked further and exchanged a little information.  They are both believers so another bond for us. I’m still not totally sure why they left Nigeria but Boko Haram was mentioned and that is enough. We had very little time but another eternal connection.  I prayed with them and they left, with my wishing I had met them at the beginning of my time rather than at the end.

The rest of the time was spent hugging kids and watching the games taking place on the camp road in front of me.  It actually felt happy and such a relief after the tension of the last shift there. The time came to an end and we walked out, my feeling some relief that the hard parts  were over but mainly sad and guilty that I can leave and go back to a rich, comfortable life while they remain here.  The answers rest with God.

Back to Orfeas and a little last minute packing.  All this time here, I had had it in my head that I left Monday, June 5. Well, I had the date right but the 5th was Sunday!  So instead of this relaxing Sunday of packing and poking around, I spent my few hours between shifts, packing and turning the rental car in and shopping.  It really wasn’t hard, and I even took time to jump into the Aegean.  Hadn’t done that yet and it needed to happen!

Early Sunday morning, Kim grabbed Dustin and me, and we took the long and winding road for the last time.