Today I write to ask for your support for a project that has become incredibly important to me and, I believe, serves the interest of forging peace both locally and internationally.
I moved to Eindhoven, Netherlands, two years ago with my husband, Bryan, who had already been living and working in the Netherlands for about a year and a half. I had just graduated with a Masters Degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine, and had accomplished the task of launching my kids into their careers in higher education. I soon became involved with Acupuncturists Without Borders (AWB), an American organization whose work I had been following for several years, and saw that they were coming to Europe to offer trauma-relieving care to refugees in Greece. I wanted to help and, long story short, they took me in and trained me on the job. That began my career as a relief worker in Greece.
I have now traveled to Greece more than 10 times (I’ve actually lost count) since my first trip with AWB in September 2016. I have served in various capacities and as an independent volunteer, supporting families and organizations that are serving refugees in whatever ways that I can; through donations, volunteering my time, serving food, offering transportation to doctors’ visits, buying groceries or family planning supplies… - literally filling in gaps of essential support and care wherever I can. I’ve also spent countless hours sitting in tents, isoboxes, and plasterboard living cubicles having tea, eating falafel made on camp stoves, and getting to know refugees from Syria, Kurdistan, Afghanistan, Palestine, Iraq, Iran, Sudan, and other areas of the world that are in crisis.
My family has supported me every step of the way, with both moral and financial support (my travel, room, and board expenses are and will continue to be completely self-funded). Though I at times miss my family; miss the feeling of “home” and familiar community, and often have a difficult time with the emotional intensity of the situation in Greece, I have been driven to return again and again by an instinct I can’t quite explain. Perhaps growing up as the daughter of a woman raised in a “misplaced persons” camp and understanding how the imprint of trauma endures for lifetimes and generations has something to do with it. Perhaps it’s feelings of anger and fear regarding the wars and human conflicts that rage in the world – as a mother I’d like to feel more optimistic about the state of the world I’m leaving behind for my children. As a healer, I have been trained to understand the impact of violent and enduring trauma on the human psyche, which, left unrecognized and untreated, can play out in myriad dysfunctional ways in families, communities, and nations.
From a personal standpoint, I am gaining perspectives that would not be possible if I stayed in my comfort zone. I am learning so much about the world, and about other cultures; many things that I really like and admire. I often wonder why our knee-jerk reactions in media and politics are to point out the worst (whether real or misunderstood) in other people and cultures, as opposed to seeing first and appreciating the beautiful aspects of people and culture? In this place I have witnessed some of the most inspiring acts of love and humanity that I have ever seen in my life.
Whatever the reason – I feel compelled to continue and believe wholeheartedly that the world is my family.
According to many reports, the situation in Greece persists and in many ways is getting worse. Arrivals to the islands continue; funds are drying up, some organizations are pulling out, volunteers are exhausted and fed up with not being able to do enough to provide even the most basic level of human dignity to men, women and children who are displaced, severely traumatized, and often alone or separated from family members. And of course public opinion, international policy, and media discourse about the crisis are complicated and controversial phenomena.
To get to the point - I would be deeply grateful if you would help me to bring critical aid to this area with a donation of any amount. Funds that I raise will be used directly to support organizations on the front lines, and/or to purchase critical supplies and services such as food, shelter, essentials for sanitation, warm clothing, toiletries – essentials of daily living.
I am returning to Greece February 20 to visit camps and families I have served in the past, and to then join the Chios Eastern Shore Response team. This will be my first trip to the islands to participate in the relief effort at the point of entry for the vast majority of asylum seekers in Greece. It is my understanding that the humanitarian conditions on the islands are especially critical at this point. In addition to volunteering my time, I would like to bring as much practical, monetary and material support as I can.
Here is a link to my fundraising page, which will include ongoing updates about the projects I will be engaging with when I return to Greece: https://www.youcaring.com/refugeesingreece-1077438
With sincere gratitude and warm regards,
Jennifer