THE STARFISH STORY

  In the field of humanitarian aid, as in many other fields, most individuals have a story that influences their work. Here in Katerini, Greece, the story that inspires my colleague Alexandra, Coordinator… Continue reading →

FALL HAS COME TO KATERINI

  Summer has officially finished in Katerini and the clouds are beginning to settle over Northern Greece for the fall and winter season. In fact, the weather is similar to what I experienced… Continue reading →

MY RELATIONSHIPS WITH BENEFICIARIES IN A NEW CONTEXT

  Many friends and family back in the US have noticed a distinct difference in the way I discuss (or don’t discuss) my work with refugees since moving to Greece, as opposed to… Continue reading →

MOTHER’S DAY

  I woke up on Mother’s Day not thinking about my own mother, but rather focusing on the work I had to do that Sunday (sorry, mum!). My supervisorfrom the US, Peter, was… Continue reading →

A RAPIDLY CHANGING LANDSCAPE

  Since 2014, the landscape of Europe has been changing at a rapid pace in regards to refugees and other people on the move. Asylum laws are constantly changing, countries are still overwhelmed… Continue reading →

GREEK EASTER

  In Greece, the biggest religious holiday of the Christian calendar is Easter (unlike in the US and other western nations, where it’s Christmas). Children have a full two weeks off of school… Continue reading →

WHEN YOU DON’T SPEAK THE LANGUAGE YET

  I’ve found that when I move abroad and am constantly surrounded by foreign languages, my brain sometimes panics and speaks in whatever foreign language feels the most familiar – even if it’s… Continue reading →

INTENSE CONVERSATIONS AT A PRESCHOOL

  Holistic integration is a multifaceted approach to helping refugee families build new lives in Greece. It takes into account the practical, personal, and social needs of each individual family to make sure… Continue reading →

WORK FLOW

  No two days are the same here and that’s how I like it. I have been in Katerini just over one month and I’m really starting to settle in, especially with the… Continue reading →

VOLUME

  Living in Greece is like being in a speaker with the volume cranked all the way up. Everything here is done loudly. Not aggressively, just at a much higher level of sound… Continue reading →