Library Conversations

A memory that really struck me was an interaction all the girls and I had with the woman who ran the library in the refugee camp. She was young, single, and very passionate about sharing the stories of her people. Our conversation with her stuck out for two reasons: she was still single and because of her description of the camp's situation. When we asked her about being single she seemed happy and it made me realize that for her, being single was a way to assert independence in a way her community could not. It was a way for her to feel she had a part in her own destiny, and she was very happy about that. We began asking her about the situation of the refugees and her thoughts on various organizations or countries that are "aiding" the Saharawi people. Of the UN she had no hope they'd ever come to help, and she had similar thoughts on the US's position. This struck me because despite feeling forgotten by the United States she was nothing but kind and gracious to us. This type of hospitality was pretty consistent throughout the camp even though most people recognized the power America has and is not using to help them. With all of these powers ignoring the refugees we asked from where she drew her hope. She was clear she didn't believe war was the best path, and was insistent a referendum conducted in the Western Sahara to determine he status of the Saharawi is still the best option. After this she said that in such a situation, one's hope can only be placed on God.
-Sara