Our group's time in the Smara Refugee Camp was an unique experience that I find difficult to put into words. However, the Saharawi have a story that needs to be told. People need to know so that change can happen. So please ask us questions about our time there and we would love to share about what we have learned from the Saharawi and their situation.
Here are some photos from our time there to help you get more of a visual of what we saw and experienced first hand.
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| We had a few opportunities to play pick-up soccer in the evenings when the temperature finally "cooled off". |
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| After a tour of the local hospital, we were able to give the hospital a few Sawyer bucket filters. |
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| Marisa with our Saharawi family |
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| Our host family through a traditional wedding for Danny and I. It was quite the experience to say the least. While the boys were required to stay away from us girls (see Colby's post titles "The Wedding" for more details), the women applied henna on all of our hands and feet to prepare for the wedding. |
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Once applied, we were required to not move for 4-5 hours to allow the henna to dry. So we laid there and sweated in the 115 degree heat all afternoon and evening. The Saharawi women gave us nice malfas and handmade headdresses to wear. They even excitedly applied all of our makeup, heavy eye liner and all. :) |
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| They even bought us cakes. |
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| The guys rocked their "suits", traditional clothing. |
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| Rais and Miriam. |
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| We were able to visit what they refer to as the sand dunes. |
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| Sara was the queen of the dunes. |
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| "I grow flowers in the desert" |
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| I wonder what sport they play. |
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| Juggling in the desert |
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| Tal helping make our lunch- french fries. Note the man in the background pouring tea. Tea is big time here. We had 3 cups of tea 3 times a day. |
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| Our surroundings |
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| Tent dwellers with our turbans. |
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| Classic band picture with Papa Rais front and center |
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| Band picture part 2 |
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| Thanks Sawyer Products for allowing us drink clean water and stay hydrated throughout our trip. |
And thanks to everyone else for all your financial support, prayers and encouragement!
-Lisa
