Being here has honestly left me with more questions than answers about the Syrian crisis. I thought I knew quite a bit- but it turns out I know nothing at all. The complexity of it all- and that things really aren't they seem. It's funny because I guess at the same time I was finding this out about the Syrian crisis, I'm finding this out about life as well. The more I understand, the less I know I guess.
I leave Lebanon grateful for the stories I've heard. The physical and gut wrenching emotional pain that I have seen on the faces of the 1700 families+ refugee families that I have met. The sweet kisses from toddlers who really don't understand what's happened, but can tell me that they have been in Lebanon for exactly 22 days. Holding babies and planting my own kisses on their sweet faces, who even though they are only a month old, have been in this foreign land longer than where they were born. As I've fixed my eyes on the eyes of not only those newborns, but now the hundreds of refugees I have met that have fled Syria, I hope now more than ever before for peace. The more I know, the more it seems impossible.
As I pack to go home, I hold many memories dear to me. I have met some incredible people and have made friendships that even in such a short time, I can't imagine my life (definitely my time here in Lebanon) without.
I have also learned much from Lebanon itself. Seeing a country that has accepted over 600,000 refugees in its small home. I have seen Lebanese open their doors to their own homes, give their food, collect money to take care of those that they can. It reminds me of what love really is. I pray that I will remember that on days I feel hopeless and not loving, that love is a choice. It reminds me...of all I strive to be.
I tell almost all of the people I meet that one day, I hope to meet them in a peaceful Syria.
I guess I've always been a fan of all of that that seems impossible.
Masalema.
~P
This is really beautiful, Patty. The picture, the people, the thoughts, just...all of it.
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