Live, Laugh, Love

My “Life in 3 Words” is live, laugh, love. I know it’s a little cliché and overused but this phrase describes perfectly how I feel about this past week of service. We learned during our Power of Giving lecture on Thursday that “you have to live it before you give it”. And I try to live my life to the fullest each day, especially on this trip. Laughter was something that we heard a lot of from the children on Wednesday at Praksis. I love to laugh and listening to other people laugh brings me such joy. And love is a word that I use often. According to the Beatles, “all you need is love”. I hope that my life and my adventure in Greece are both filled with living, laughing, and loving!

Service Week began on Monday and ended Friday, but my excitement and desire to live a life full of serving others will never end. Wednesday we had a party at Praksis for the children of the refugees. I love kids so much and was so excited to spend the day just playing and interacting with them despite language and cultural barriers. But when we first got there, I was really emotional. I didn't immediately jump into playing like I expected I would. I wanted to make a special connection with one child so badly that I think I was either afraid that I wouldn't or that I would and then have a hard time leaving him/her. So I think I was hesitant and instead I sat back and just observed for the first hour or so. Finally, the cutest Sudanese boy named Peter walked through the door. I thought to myself "this is my kid"! But I soon realized that sweet little 3 year old Peter was very attached to his daddy. I reached out to hold his hand in order to lead him into party, but he pulled away and clung to his father. I understood and stepped back.

Later while coloring, I met Samira! She is a beautiful 8 year old from Afghanistan with pretty long brown hair, big brown eyes, gold earrings, a blue and silver cross necklace, and a timid but sweet spirit. She didn't speak any English or really much at all. She was very quiet but her face, especially her eyes, lit up whenever something made her happy. She loved playing with the bubbles, maybe as much as I did. We tried to talk a little. I asked how old she was, how to spell her name, and what her favorite color was. She held up 8 fingers and pointed to the orange marker.

When we were leaving Praksis to load the bus, I held back from the group to walk with Samira. Unsure of whether I would see her again, I told her that I had fun (which she might or might not have understood), smiled a big smile, and asked for a hug with outstretched arms. With the toys she was allowed to take home in her hands, she threw her little arms around me for a goodbye hug. It made my day! At the crosswalk, I stood next to Peter and his dad, who told me that this cute little boy with gorgeous eyelashes really liked our tour bus that was waiting for me across the street. His father joked that Peter would totally go with me if he could. I laughed and somewhat seriously considered taking him home with me because he was so adorable. I joked that I would take him with me right then. Before I could even ask for a hug, Peter threw his arms open and around me, willing to go. I was almost crying and laughing at the same time as I picked him up and twirled him around, secretly wishing I could take this little cutie with me for real.

Friday we split into two groups to paint the apartments that Praksis provides. I was so excited to learn the other group was working at Peter’s house and our group would be painting at Samira’s apartment. When we left, I was able to hug Samira one last time and tell her “you are beautiful” in Greek. I can't even imagine some of the horrible things that these two innocent and beautiful children may have seen or experienced in their journeys from Afghanistan and Sudan to Greece. My heart was absolutely broken for their families and the hardships they must face. I pray for their safety and that they will find hope and love in the middle of their difficult situations. I hope that even in the simple smile or hug, I made an impact- a special connection- and that they will understand that they are valued and cherished.

I loved spending time with all of the children- playing, laughing, coloring, and communicating without words. And although painting was difficult and frustrating, I enjoyed working together to give the families hope in the form of fresh paint. I wish we could stay longer and build stronger relationships with the kids. I wish there was more we could do to help Praksis and the families they serve. I want to know and understand more about the country and situation that they came from, the experiences and challenges they face here in Greece, and how they go about daily life. This week challenged me to think about my life and what I can do to make service more of a priority. I plan to translate what I’ve learned and experienced here and apply it to my life at home. To bring living, laughing, and loving from Athens, Greece back with me to Athens, Georgia!

Jenna Chancey