What a successful camp we put on for the children at the Fareas Refugee Center in Moudon! 
Our days, well-organized and planned, turned out to be very positive, and we were able to make some good connections with them there. The children's ages ranged from 4-14, and all were eager to hear our heavily English-accented French, and also participate in all we had for them. Our activities ranged from musical chairs, Easter art projects, card games, to the outdoor games and a final project to make sandwiches for lunch. 
Comments and reflections will be posted soon referring to the reactions of each team member to this experience; God showed us how He can work through us when we trust in Him and step forward to allow Him to guide our footsteps, and not get too worked up about our plans, but allow His love to shine through our interactions with those children.
11 comments:
I was worried at first because none of the kids in my group wanted to be there and they didn’t want to decorate eggs, which was our first activity. But just by talking to them and giving them some attention, they got more interested in what we were doing and were excited to have me involved. It was a challenge dealing with the chaos that developed, but it was much more fun when I relaxed and tried to love on the kids around me as much as possible.
I had an amazing day today. We went to a refugee camp. I was on team “yellow.” We came and started making nametags with our team colors and this little boy named Armin was trying to help. I figured out that he was on my list, and a part of team yellow and he immediately grabbed a blue nametag. He thought that blue was cool and yellow was not. so, I told him to act like a lion with me and be yellow. He agreed and smiled hysterically. Another little boy named “Bebe” joined us and the three of us were “Team Yellow.” They were absolutely adorable, I loved how excited they were. The language barrier was interesting, but I really feel like the kids feel loved and cared for. I pray they know God’s love!
The girls that I have met are absolutely adorable. We spent the time coloring and they were always seeking affirmation…making sure that I liked their work. I love how well they all get along and look out for each other: especially siblings. The family bonds they have seem very strong. I just wish that I was able to carry on an actual conversation, instead of just saying “good work” or “its pretty.” They have so much to say, and I just wish I could understand. But hugs and smiles go a long way and that is something that I can give.
I was most impressed by the difference between my expectations of the kids and how they actually are: from the orientation sessions with Sydney, I thought they would be more depressed, etc, but in reality they are really joyful and sweet. I think that if more people worked face-to-face with refugees, they would empathize more with their humanity and their plight as refugees.
Today was just incredible. I forgot how much joy children truly have. Everything for these kids is new, fun, exciting. It makes me realize how much I take for granted because these kids live lives that are full of chaos and sometimes hopelessness and I seem to have everything at my fingertips yet I’m sure I complain more. I think God’s reminding me to have the spirit that a child has…laugh, live, play…These kids are great and I can’t get enough. I pray we’re showing them God’s love. Bahhh, they’re cute. And I still don’t know French , but God is at work.
It’s essential to remember that these kids have such different lives than we do. They struggle as kids, as ones who are different at school, who may not have made friends as easily, whose lives are just tough at home. We need to acknowledge that they are individuals—each with alternate futures, dreams, hopes, and struggles. Remember their faces.
I love kids! Today was really good, even though its harder to keep them entertained for that long with inclement weather and four hours of camp. My favorite parts today were making sandwiches with the children and figuring out the puzzles. They all worked really well together to prepare the ingredients for the tomato-mozzarella sandwiches. I was impressed! With the puzzles, it was neat to see them watch their individual squares come together into one drawing. I really hope I can return to Moudon again before my time in Switzerland is up.
It was very alive with all the energetic and spirited kids. I really got the sense that the kids sincerely appreciated our time with them, esp when Armin cried because he didn’t want to go home. All the kids were really excited about the games like Animal Charades and they seemed to really like Lean on Me, and the motions.
They don’t get to be kids who are cared for all the time—their lives have strife, concerns, and family issues that we can’t even begin to grasp. But, we allowed them to care for each other, make lunch for each other, and spend time enjoying each others’ company. They know how to deal with different disappointments, love competition games, and look out for one another.
Its funny to me how we were able to have so much fun together and do all sorts of things without really speaking that much. I think it shows just how universal love and having fun both are.
They were very friendly and warmed up to you instantly. It made me wish that making friends as adults was this easy.
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