A swallow may symbolize a new beginning. As it soars gracefully and freely in the sky, hope sprouts within us as we watch. We came to the earthquake zone to find that hope. During the days when Ramadan and April 23rd Children’s Day intersected with sorrow, we too were in the earthquake zone. We came to witness the light of hope shining in the eyes of children amid the ruins.
In the first days we set foot in the earthquake zone, we were stunned by the magnitude of the disaster. Around us were houses shaken and destroyed by Mother Earth, crying mothers and fathers, and children trembling with fear. Sadness and grief settled on faces that could barely muster the strength to shed tears. We could not remain indifferent while experiencing similar pain. We set out to help as much as we could.
Day by day, we listened to the stories of earthquake victims, whether adults or children. The sorrowful memories weighed heavily on our hearts. As families recounted how they lost their loved ones, we crumbled inside like the destroyed walls. But at the same time, we saw the hope shining in the children’s eyes.
On Children’s Day, April 23rd, we came together with earthquake victims to support the children. As we saw the joy of life in their eyes, we found strength within ourselves. The smiles on the faces of our little heroes were the saplings of hope we planted in place of the demolished buildings. And those saplings were the swallows soaring in the sky, heralding a rebirth.
We organized various activities with the children to boost their morale. We played games, sang songs, and told them stories. Some of them drew pictures about the earthquake they experienced, trying to express their emotions. These small creative activities helped them gradually heal their wounds.
During Ramadan, we saw the serenity on the faces of those fasting and the happiness of coming together around eagerly awaited iftar tables. Even in this challenging period, we experienced the power of faith and solidarity.
At the end of five days, it is impossible to forget the intense emotions we experienced in the earthquake zone. Yes, the wounds are still fresh and painful, but people and children are hopeful despite everything. Like the swallows heralding rebirth, these people are soaring amid the demolished houses, rebuilding their lives.
Perhaps the wounds of this unforgettable disaster will heal somewhat over time. However, the pain endured, the hearts lost, and every story and memory are etched in our hearts. To prevent this from happening again, we must learn from this disaster and take precautions. Time may not erase the traces, but we can be stronger and better prepared for the future. The earthquake journal will remain as a memory and be passed on to future generations. But most importantly, we must not forget the hope and solidarity it holds. Because together, we can rebuild the fallen walls and make shattered dreams flourish again.
During Ramadan and on April 23rd Children’s Day, my spouse and I spent five days in the earthquake zone, helping children. My spouse (belkisulusoy.com.tr) and I embarked on this journey to stand by people during this difficult process. For five days, we left our lives behind and tried to be a remedy for both adults’ and the little hearts’ troubles. We experienced intense, emotional, and sad days. As we listened to the earthquake victims’ stories, our hearts broke, but the hopefulness of people, especially the children, made us happy. An unimaginable trauma took place in the region, but it seems like the wounds are healing now. However, the losses and experiences will never forgotten.
On our way back, we thought about how important these five days were. Yes, an unimaginable trauma occurred in the earthquake zone, and the losses will never be forgotten; however, it seems like the wounds are healing now. The strength, hope, and courage of the people and children living in that area inspired hope in us as well. This five-day earthquake journal left deep marks not only in the lives of the earthquake victims but also in our own lives. Being able to help heal the troubles of those little hearts and seeing the light of hope in their eyes was our greatest happiness. We will carry the emotions and memories we experienced during this process until the end of our lives and continue to help people in earthquake zones as best as we can.