Learning English in the Rain

“I don’t think of all the misery, but of the beauty that still remains” – Anne Frank. 🍉🍉

I came across this quote earlier in the week when having a moment of feeling a little depressed and defeated, and I wanted to post a about some of the beautiful things I’ve seen here in Calais when volunteering with people seeking asylum.

the HOPE. Despite all the persecution and loss, the asylum seekers I’ve met don’t give up hoping.
The FUN and dancing and laughing in the face of such adversity and oppression.
The kindness and desire to connect.
The friendships. People really rooting for each other. A crowd whooping and cheering for their friend JT when he does well in an English grammar exercise; a caring guy with a warm smile, putting his arm around his friend and telling me he is looking out for him because he’s new here and he’s having a hard day.
The hilariously serious and intense games of dominoes. Dominoes is REAL here.
All the respectfulness and considerate “thank you’s” and offers of help from the refugees to us, the volunteers.
The incredible drive to learn – even when homeless, shivering in the freezing cold, wind or rain, people come to try and learn some English. Like Ibrahim, in this picture. He comes to learn English rain or shine, and I’m always so impressed with his ability to concentrate for so long. He’s such a lovely guy, and I’m going to miss him brightening up my days.

🌈 🍉