June 9th 2019

Today consisted of some service work with Lifting Hands International (LHI), an NGO that works closely with the Yazidi camp here in Serres. Outside of the camp, in a small field a couple minutes away, LHI holds various activities in their Child Friendly Space and Female Friendly Space, as well as in the sports field parallel to them. These serve as ways for the residents of the camp to engage in some programs that add a much needed "normal" component of their day and life, which can become stagnant when placed in a camp for years on end. Some of these activities include sports, arts and crafts, spa days, dance, and several others. Today, I helped out in the dance class, which held about 10 kids ranging in age from about 5 to 13. In here, the kids themselves taught us many of the Zumba dances they had been learning-- and their moves weren't easy either. It was a ton of fun, and I even had a chance to teach of them one of the Zumba dances I had committed to memory from one of the classes I had taken in high school. However, I think they much preferred being the teachers themselves, and I can't blame them! It was a great time, and all of this occurred in a classroom-sized wooden structure on a 95 degree day. Afterwards, there was a water fight, in which I got soaked. But it was a nice respite from the summer heat, so I welcomed it enthusiastically. Also, kids are ruthless so I had no choice anyway. Finally, our group ended the day by attending a miniature art gallery that showcased the work of three refugees from the camp. These paintings were both incredible and emotional. They gave us a peak of what is going on in their minds, especially in reminding us that they have been the victims of terrible circumstances, which can be easy to forget given they are very kind, playful, and generous people. While there are very few pictures from our work with LHI due some restrictions, I have also included some of these paintings!