A Mindful Thank You

Summary

The author reflects on a heartwarming visit to the new home of Syrian refugee students, where they were generously welcomed and treated to a lavish spread of traditional Syrian cuisine.

Abstract

The author received an invitation to visit the new home of former Syrian students, now refugees, who had found safety and security in a foreign land. The visit was marked by a warm welcome and an impressive display of Syrian hospitality, with the author being treated as family and indulged in a diverse array of traditional dishes. The experience highlighted the refugees' resilience and generosity, despite their modest means, and underscored the enriching nature of the author's work with the Syrian community over the past four years.

Opinions

The author expresses a deep appreciation for the genuine welcome and generosity received from the Syrian refugees, emphasizing their kindness and hospitality.
There is a sense of admiration for the refugees' ability to create a hopeful future for their children in a new country, free from the conflict they escaped.
The author is impressed by the Syrian refugees' culinary skills and the beautiful presentation of their traditional dishes, considering it a delightful experience.
The author acknowledges the rewarding nature of their work with Syrian refugees, describing it as a heartfelt learning experience that has been enriching on a personal level.
Gratitude is conveyed towards Thomas Gaudex for providing a platform to share the author's experiences with a wider audience.

A Delightful Synergy

Image by author

An invitation, simple and heartfelt, A ‘come and visit us in our new home’ request, I was sadly missed, they insisted.

I smiled and said I would, the next day in fact And take the extra time from work to drop by To see my ex-students, a Syrian husband and wife. Refugees who, escaping the destruction of their lives And country, sought and found safety and security In a foreign land. And once here, Had finally settled in their newfound home, Hopeful of a better life for their children, One with a future free from bombs and fear.

My heart warmed at the welcome I received, ‘No, I could leave my shoes on, be our guest, please’ They voiced in unison, ‘You are our family.’

Again, my heart smiled, touched by their need To show their appreciation for my hours of support And patience — I who had only given them my best.

Walking into the kitchen I caught my breath as if After removing a blindfold, I’d entered Aladdin’s cave. I beheld a table glittering with the delightful Wonders of an oriental kitchen. Seated, I marvelled The glorified spread of tasty delicacies and dishes, The variety of colours and aromas, breathtaking. ‘Please, have some of this, and a piece of that,’ Their gentle coax. And like a child in a toy shop I looked up from the table beaming my delight.

My work with Syrian refugees over the last four years was very rewarding and a heartfelt learning experience for me. Like most people with little means, they are both welcoming and generous. I was often invited into their homes and not only did they delight me with their delicious cooking but also impressed me with the beautiful presentation of their Syrian dishes.

Thank you, Thomas Gaudex, for enabling me to share this experience in your delightful publication.