My cousin crossed over from Damascus to see me today. He was on his way to go to Egypt and seeing him for me was a huge thing. Its the first time that Ive seen any of my family in 5 years, especially since the war started in Syria 3 years ago. Its an odd thing to sit in front of your family member knowing that all the things they have absorbed with their eyes have been brutal in the last few years. Its a weird feeling to try to talk about anything good in your life when you know nothing has been good in their lives. I love my cousin to pieces... I love his mentality and his forward thinking. If all of Syria was like him, Syria would be at peace at this very moment.
ALso, another VERY HUGE THING HAPPENED TODAY. My uncle that was a homeopathic healer that died 9 years ago and nobody ever had written down any of his treatments came up in a conversation with my cousin's driver, who safely crossed him across the border of Syria. His driver turns out to be my uncles good buddy. He told him has all of his natural medicine treatments written down. I started crying when he told me that, cause my biggest regret in life is not spending time with him in Syria to learn everything he had and then the knowledge died with him. So.. Its been a beautiful journey and Ive only been here for a few days.
After returning back to Mustafa's household, where his sisters and sister's kids filled the house with nothing but warmth and love, I sat in their presence looking at their lifestyle. All of them sitting together on the floor in one room. Even the kids, just sitting there. I wondered what an art lesson would be like with all of them. So, I decided to not be lazy and go get markers and paper. I handed each person in the room who wanted to a white paper and a marker. I was a bit surprised that even the adults wanted to learn how to draw as well. I taught them step by step how to draw a fish. They were so into it, following my instructions line by line. I didn't have to go to any person and help them individually, they were all naturals.
I was impressed by their art, and was excited in the days to come to see what the kids would make. The day was filled with so much goodness. I was happy for all that has happened so far, but Im sad. Sad for the idea that I've only been here for a few days and Im attached more than separation can bare. I used to pride myself on being stronger than this. Im counting down the days till my departure and dreading every second that passes. I feel as though I am in the arms of angels, In the presence of God, and in the protection of the olive groves and steep mountains that surround this town.