I’m a richer person now. They gave me love. I have always had respect for our foreign citizens coming from countries where the future outlook is bad, this respect has increased. These families have giving up everything that had in order to seek a better life not only for themselves but formats for their children, this is a huge step and takes a tremendous amount of courage.

Manon Smeeing :: Netherlands :: Real-estate agent :: Age 43

I wanted to help, do something, I felt that a lot of people have an opinion, without really knowing and understanding what is really going on. I wanted to help and make my own (objective) judgement call.

My Friends and family reactions were different, some said it is a good thing to do and others said you are stupid to help guy’s who are seeking fortune (or do not have a good reason). We arrived ( With my my friend Tialda Bakkum) on the 7 of March 2016 and stayed for 10 days. I had no idea of what to expect, we could only guess, but once we arrived we got really great instruction from the boat refugee foundation.

I cannot recall a definite defining moment, because it was 10 highly intensive days where there was little time to sleep and we ran from one shift to the other. We therefore had little time to reflect on the days. I was however thrilled to see the engagement of all the volunteers in helping the refugees, regardless of their role!

It made me realize how fortunate  we are to live where we live was a powerul lesson. I found myself trying to see myself in a refugee boat with my husband, children, mother, brother, sister and her family.

This impression of crisis and trauma were very sad see and experience. These people were just unfortunate to have been born where they were born and be going through this very difficult circumstance.

It was a experience for life and I would not hesitate to go back soon.

There was a boy 10 years old named Galit who I played soccer with several times, he was so sweet and his family was very kind. One other was a Syrian man on the beach waiting for his wife and his 3 month old baby who he had not seen before (he arrived at Lesbos before his child was born). This family getting back together was so intense and good to see.

I’m a richer person now. They gave me love. I have always had respect for our foreign citizens coming from countries where the future outlook is bad, this respect has increased. These families have giving up everything that had in order to seek a better life not only for themselves but formats for their children, this is a huge step and takes a tremendous amount of courage.