After my blog post yesterday I felt truly challenged as to where to start. Joining Amnesty International was easy. But what next?
Then, waiting for the bus to go home, I noticed a family of refugees (mum, dad and three children) with their entire belongings crammed into a mix of suitcases and ikea holdalls, standing at the same bus stop. As the bus arrived and they struggled to get on board through the rear doors, I helped them to carry their bags.
On the bus the most amazing conversation took place. With the help of hands and feet, broken English, Google translator and a phone call to my Syrian fiend, Mariana, they told me in 8 minutes their very disturbing story as to how they reached Berlin from Syria. I discovered from them that there is even a harrowing website that helps refugees to cross the Mediterranean.
Apart from their tangible mixture of relief and uncertainty, they were not sure how to get to the refugee camp near Spandau. I told them that I would accompany them to the camp.
As we got off the bus, a young German woman said that she would come with us and wanted to help. So she accompanied us and showed deep interest in their story. When we arrived at the entrance to the, to me, somewhat intimidating camp, I asked our German friend to explain everything to the surly entrance guard.
As we said good-bye and exchanged phone numbers, I looked in my wallet and found 40,00€. I quickly folded it into four and gave it to the oldest daughter as we said farewell. The daughter immediately gave it to her mother, who broke down in tears.
As we left the camp entrance, the young German asked me to go for a coffee. I agree. We go to YE-MC, who serve the best Döner in the whole of Berlin. She tells me that she is a humanist studying theology, currently making her way through her doctoral thesis on the social construction of God.
During the intense dialogue, we both agree to teach German to refugees as our initial contribution to the situation. This morning we have just registered and have found out that we will start before Christmas.
So I have learnt that taking positive action to help others is an incredible investment in humanity. When you make the decision to engage, what you receive is unintentionally so much greater than what you give. I feel encouraged. As Mother Theresa said: “If we can all do small things with much love, we as individuals can change the world.”
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