My story of being a refugee

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Posted on Jul 01 2015 3 minutes read
My story of being a refugee
My family and I sought refuge in Wadi Khaled in north Lebanon in mid-2012. On the first night, I was full of despair and unable to breathe. I asked myself, «What I am I doingæ» Things around me were becoming overwhelming, and I was shrinking away inside. How could I hide my despair, or tension and the feeling of being lostæ Syria, which I left yesterday, is no longer Syria, and my home has changed, along with the way I look at life.
For three days I didn't leave the house. I was now in a new world, with new people whom I didn't know. I was the only breadwinner in my family, made up of my mother, my three siblings and their children; one of them has lost her husband and the husband of another is been detained in Syria. We had no news about him for two and a half years. My father was deceased.
My new small home was on the bottom floor of a building. The host lived on the top floor. He provided me and my family with all forms of assistance and helped us with the smallest of details (drinking water, electricity, etc.), and asked for nothing in return. The smile never left his face. My family and I had food coupons but they weren't enough. I couldn't sit alone at home, doing nothing. I needed to do something to leave behind this painful situation and, first of all, do something acceptable, as well as provide daily sustenance for my family.
This is how I entered my new world. In Syria, I got as far as being a first-year student in the Faculty of Law but I couldn't continue my studies because of the crisis. I was determined to attend cultural and vocational courses, such as male hairdressing, and one on health awareness, at the cultural center; I was one of the top students. I benefited from this expertise to build a beautiful palace where a sense of humbleness and being satisfied with the will of God Almighty prevailed, along with the struggle for a better life despite my limited means.
I looked for a job, and worked. I came to own several men's salons and I rented a place to practice my profession and achieve something for myself. Today, I dedicate this success to every Syrian or Lebanese young man and I say to them, don't give up, no matter what. Be positive as much as possible. A person with the proper appearance and behavior will make an impact on everyone he meets and enjoy the respect of everyone.
My experience in Wadi Khaled was a useful and a «modern» one; it taught me a great deal, which included the modern techniques of managing dialogue and self-development. I took part in the Tafawwuq wal-Saade Association's project on «youth spreading a message of peace in times of crisis.» After these training courses I became better-informed about life and I participated in several activities, such as English language courses and children's activities, and others. Finally, I say that inside all of us is a dark tunnel, but not all of us are able to move the stone away, so that the light shines through.
This is my story, a story of displacement with many chapters, as I await the final one, which might have a bright ending.
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