Barbed wire and burnout.

So today marks travel day one. We spent 10 hours traveling and contacting warehouses etc. Ready to start the work tomorrow. 
Yet although we haven’t started already I’m starting to see the division between ‘us and them.’ 
At the crossing we were asked what we were going to do in Calais, our response? Visit friends and although true doesn’t describe the reason for the visit. Some times it’s just easier to smile as the wave you through. 
On arrival in Calais our hostel which can only be 200m away took 15 minutes and a 7 mile journey to get too due to large barbed wire fences paid for partially by the British government (38 million) to keep the refugees out. To keep ‘them’ out. 
To keep those fleeing from war and persecution finding a safe place to call home. To keep ‘them’ from working and contributing to society. To keep ‘them’ from becoming ‘us’. 
Tonight I met my room mate for tonight, Natalia a short term volunteer in on of the warehouses she’s just back for a night aid distribution. Knackerd having only slept 12 hours since arriving Monday. Burt out and ready for home tomorrow, she’s been here 5 days. The pressure on the volunteers to be everyone to the refugees seems to take its toll even on short term volunteers especially given the fire in Dunkirk. 
For tonight I’m privileged to sleep in a bed and that what I must do now. Ready to go tomorrow. 
Thank you for all those who supported me and continue to do so. 
May your God be with you, 
💜E