Refugees in Calais – Page 3

Our First Dinner at Maria Skobtsova House

It was nearly 6 PM when we got back from the Jungle to begin preparations for dinner Monday evening. I was assigned to be assistant cook to Maria, but she switched with Brother Johannes and the two of us went shopping for the meal. The local Lido market was about 5 blocks away and we could choose from a fairly good and inexpensive variety of foods. Brother Johannes is vegetarian and that seems to be respected in how the house eats. We were accompanied on the trip to the market by Ibrahim a tall, smiling, young Syrian refugees who lives in the house and is working hard at learning his French.

On return to the house it was hard to find space to assist in the cooking since Ibrahim and Moein , took places at the table to help chop onions and garlic, grate carrots and make a salad. Lessons in Farsi were being given at the dinner table. Brother Johannes cooked the main meal, a layer of beans, peas, carrots and tomatoes cooked in a pan then into a baking dish. Eggs were put on top and the whole was baked until the eggs were cooked. This was Brother Johannes’ version of Afghan Eggs. It was served with a salad of lettuce tomatoes and onions. Shredded carrots were in a separate bowl as was the rice.

Fourteen of us squeezed around the large table. Seven volunteers and seven refugee-volunteers. Between us we spoke ten languages although, mercifully for me, the dinner conversation was primarily in English. The youth at the table was amazing. How long has it been since I was involved in “church work” where the people were not mostly older than I? Here, I am the eldest by at least 20 years.

Watch this video of all saying hello in their own languages!

The Tables Are Turned

We thought we came to Calais to show hospitality to the refugees encamped there. Tables were turned within the hour of our arrival at the Jungle.

The camp is as wretched looking as anything I have seen. Thousands of people, mostly young men, living under wooden shells, tarps, houses made of cardboard, and in tents. Space is tight and often the cause of disputes. We arrived with a minivan full of refugees from Secours Cathololique, where there is a drop-in center. We also transported a rebuilt bicycle donated to one of the men.

Our first stop was to park near the “church” a structure put together by Orthodox Christians to honor God with few resources but skill and love. Several women were praying and they all were fasting daily from midnight until 3 PM, from meat, cheese and milk in preparation for an upcoming Marian feast. The women all wore white knit shawls and hoods covering their heads as they prayed inside. The walls were tarps attached to the carpets below. Shoes were removed before entering. The walls were adorned with posters of icons duct taped to the tarp walls. But fine linens covered the altars, pulpit. Statues were also present, though not featured. We prayed, men to the left women to the right.

As we exited, we were invited to join the men is eating from a well work wok in which a combination of beans, onions and tomatoes had been prepared. We shared from a several loaves of bread, breaking off pieces to dip and eat. Before too long the wok was wiped clean of food. Two men who were deacons in the church invited us to afternoon tea at their home in the Jungle. We arrived to see them after touring other parts of the camp.

hands in a dish — Hands sharing from the common dish

Brother Johannes, Sheena and I entered the section of the camp where several Eritrean and Ethiopian Orthodox church members lived. We had been invited for afternoon tea. The best chairs were given to us as guests while our hosts pulled up log stumps, chair frames with no seats and large water jugs to sit on. The table was set. A pan of food (beans, corn and onions) were brought out several loaves of French bread and a larger loaf of bread as well. They poured clean water and took turns washing ours and their hands. We were called to prayer. A small piece of bread was broken from the larger loaf and one piece given to each person to eat. The longer loaves of bread were broken into larger pieces and distributed for all to take and eat from the common plate by wiping the bread through the food and by scooping the food with the bread to gather even more. We ate until the food was gone. We prayed again. Tea was poured for all of us. And as we drank together I experienced a sacred moment, an overwhelming sense of mutual respect. I felt so humbled to be shown such respect by people who in so many of our countries are treated like pariahs.

There are none so blind as they who will not see. May God forgive us for ignoring the richness of people on whom we have turned our backs.

Frank with Ethiopian and Eritrean hosts — Frank and Sr. Sheena with Ethiopian and Eritrean hosts

Arrived!

Sr. Sheena and I arrived at St. Maria Skobtsova House in Calais from our travels and a walk from the train station. The first ring of the doorbell brought no response proving momentary anxiety. The name of the house was in the window so we knew it was the right place. A second ring was answered by Maria, a Romanian volunteer social worker gaining experience for her advanced degree.

We had a pleasant conversation with Maria who filled us in on the workings of the house. She would be with us only a few days before her time was up and she returned home then back to school. Brother Johannes arrived, sweating in his blue habit as a member of the Good Shepherd Congregation.

We were quickly set up to stay in another studio apt. about 10 blocks away. Then we went for a walk with Brother Johannes to find some dinner.

Thank God for safe travel.