The field aside, let's talk about how wonderful the people of this country are!
We've been back for a week now, and I can't stop thinking of this place. I am so grateful for my experiences and memories of mar musa and of Syria. I am so thankful to Rob for having taken our team out to contribute and to experience this unforgettable place. Really such a truly unique and genuine place to be. I think that Mar Musa really gave me the perspective that I needed in terms of what matters in life.
It's strange. I’ve been in many rugged field experiences many times before. I’ve got to say, in comparison to previous experiences, this one was quite cushy. Just look at the pics to see how picturesque it was... and just look at Deir Mar Musa's mandate and understand that the people living here truly adhere to their commitment to hospitality. I am tearful thinking about how wonderful they are. I will never forget the time that I’ve spent here and I hope that the work that I managed to do will contribute to something good, to the goals and dreams of its residents and that I can contribute again, somehow, one day.
Research and museums aside, being home and safe and healthy now, I need to admit that my time abroad was one of the most difficult times I’ve ever experienced.. This due to health issues and not because of the people or of their surroundings or of the work (all of that was amazing), unfortunately, I really had never been sicker in my life. A chest infection gone horribly wrong can be a very scary thing to face in foreign lands- especially when one does not speak the language!
But this challenge, I think, is what really helped me understand how wonderful this country really is. I will forever remember the true kindness and true caring of strangers (and of Rob, Francesca, Jovanna and Tiago too) that I would have never experienced in Canada under the same circumstances. Never in Canada would I expect a stranger to race me around a city to find the best/quickest health care, to offer to pay for my medication (despite the steep price), for a woman who speaks no English or French to take me in, feed me, care for me, and to put my mind at ease while I try to recover. Never would I expect hoteliers in Canada to give me a room for free to rest, because it was obvious that I was completely exhausted. I have never felt more safe, secure and looked after in a time of need (okay okay, I did wish my mum was around a little, but that's cause she's my mum).
I think that I will spend the rest of my life trying to abide by these notions of hospitality and caring- I will forever remember the kindness.
feelin' the lovin'
and so very very grateful!
shukran,
Joelle.
