For the last couple of months a crisis has been developing. When it just started people didn't think too much of it. 'It happens all the time' they said. A lot of bad comments were made on the subject and even the media tried to ignore it whenever they could because hey, there is more news to talk about like the economy which is still bad but has been bad for years. However over the last couple of weeks more and more attention has been given to this problem that has become an European crisis and now a worldwide crisis. Governments are starting to see and acknowledge the problem and are taking action on solving it. Slowly but surely the world is opening their eyes and hearts. No more turning off the TV, no more 'it's so far away it won't bother us', no more let other countries handle this we have enough problems of our own. Just no more of the ignorant attitude.
The worst eye opener came a little over a week ago. A little Syrian boy, no more than three years old, lying on the beach. The waves slowly caressing the little boys face as if they held his mothers soul trying to tell her child it would all be okay. Telling him they are in a better place now. Telling him they made it, the whole family made it only daddy went to a different better place. A place that should have been the better place to go to but a place that has now become his prison. His entire family lost in the sea, the heartbreaking picture of his youngest son lying dead on the beach. The last thing he got to see of his family.
Now try to tell me we are not in a crisis. Try to convince me this isn't a serious problem and they are all just looking for an economically better country. Tell me they are all here for the money, to stay at home doing nothing whilst getting more money from the government then some of the people from our own country. Tell me one of these things and I will punch you in the face because no, they are not all heading for Europe, some try to go to family in America, Canada, Asia or Australia. There is one thing they have in common, all those life risking refugees, they are running, running to safety. To a country where suicide bombings aren't a daily activity. All they want is safety, a place for their children to grow up safe and sound. A place where children can play on the beach instead of lying there lifeless.
For a moment I just want you to take a look around you. Look how safe it is, how we take going to school and having a part time job for granted. Now take a look in the mirror, you are clean, maybe you've just taken a shower, your clothes are yours, you bought them with your own money and wow you are wearing shoes and even make up. All those little things we have gotten so used to that we take them for granted. Those people that are on the run from their home, who have left everything behind and probably won't ever see their home again. Most don't even have shoes and now they are coming to us, running to us for safety for help. All they want is peace in their own country so that one day they might return there, to their home. But winter is coming and they have nothing and what are we doing, complaining about how crowded our countries already are and how bad our economy already is. Not looking at all the boxes stacked up in the attic, filled with old shoes, clothes, toys and coats.
Thankfully, now the crisis is more known and people talk about it everyday, things are getting better. We are starting to accept what is happening. The governments are arranging places to stay for the refugees. Closed refugee centres are opened up again. Bags with old clothes, shoes and toys are being collected and sent to those refugee centres. People are coming together to help these poor refugees in every way possible. There are charities that sent tents and other camping gear to refugee camps in France. People are willing to take in refugees in their own homes. We are all becoming one and that is the only way we can help others. So if you are able to do something no matter how small the act, please do so. Help those who lost their family, home and everything they once had.
Oh and yes, I'm not just blogging about this hoping to inspire others. Of course I hope some people will start collecting clothes or helping refugees speak the language of the country they are now living in. To achieve something like that would be great! Last week my mum and I went up the attic and collected some of those boxes filled with old clothes, shoes and coats and delivered these to one of the refugee centres. For me personally, I'm also still waiting on a reply if I can start volunteering at a local refugee centre. So if you can help please help!
Lots of love,
ThatDutchGirl96
