Living here in the middle of all this, looking into the eyes of sad, frightened but also relieved and happy people, has only made me more secure in my conviction to help other fellow beings. This is the way I once was raised, I raised my own children and I wish all parents would raise their children, with respect, love and compassion for others! “

Marit Loekken Fotiou :: age  50 ::  mother of 3 :: Farmer and Nurse :: Greece

“My name is Marit Loekken Fotiou. I’m a 50 year-old mother of 3, farmer and nurse, born in  Norway, living in Greece for more than 25 years with my Greek husband.

Our home is on the north-eastern shore of Lesvos, close to the village of Skala Sikamineas. I’m not the “usual” volunteer coming from far away to help since this is happening virtually in my front yard! It was not an option for me not to help.  I would never turn my back on a fellow human being in need.

Helping refugees has been a part of my family’s life for a long time. We are living directly on the route for people crossing from the near or far East. Our children have been growing up with this situation, always knowing they could run across somebody on their way to the school bus in the early morning or wake up in the middle of the night by the noise of an outboard engine. We always keep a stock of clean clothes, shoes and diapers in case somebody needs them.

Last year when the influx of people got much bigger, I was relieved as volunteers started to appear. It was much more than our little community could handle on its own. During the autumn and winter I’ve been working with Lighthouse Relief,  a small Swedish based organization that was started here on the shores of Lesvos. I’ve met the most amazing volunteers from all over the world, sharing their love, compassion, time and skills with us helping out in this crisis.

I want to thank them all from my heart.  I’m also proud of living in a village where the inhabitants have been doing their very best, and have welcomed refugees and volunteers alike!

Living here in the middle of all this, looking into the eyes of sad, frightened but also relieved and happy people, has only made me more secure in my conviction to help other fellow beings. This is the way I once was raised, I raised my own children and I wish all parents would raise their children, with respect, love and compassion for others! “