Preparing Vegan Meals and Sharing a Peaceful Atmosphere with the Refugees, Chios Island, Greece – August 1 to 2, 2016
On August 1, our relief team on Chios Island prepared rice and fideo (short noodles) to be served with cucumbers and bread to the refugees. Our Spanish friends helped us and brought much laughter as they brainstormed different skits they could perform for the children at the camps. We also prepared 48 vegan sandwiches, peaches and juice boxes for children going to the school managed by volunteers from Be Aware And Share, a Switzerland-based humanitarian aid organization.
Distribution went very smoothly and efficiently at both Souda and Dipethe camps. We saved about 30 portions of food for the new arrivals from Turkey that evening. By the time everyone had received their meals, there was still a bit of daylight for us to play volleyball and spend time with the people at the camp. As usual, the wind gusts had calmed down and many people were enjoying a swim or cooling down in their homes. Many kids seem to grow taller every time we saw them. Some of them were practicing different languages and others were helping look after their neighbors’ babies. A number of refugees were eagerly getting ready for the interviews in Athens that will determine where their journeys will take them next.
The next morning, it was quiet and the waters serene. We prepared tomatoes, cucumbers, peaches, and bread for this evening’s distribution. We also began cooking chickpeas to make hummus for the next day’s dinner. Upon learning that many refugees were expected to arrive that morning by boat, we felt thankful for Allah’s protection that gave them a safe trip.