Q: Will you please tell us who you are and share a few details about yourself?
My name is Loren Thomas. I am 67 years old, a retired school district superintendent and college administrator from the US. I hold 3 masters degrees (Philosophy, Religion, Education) and a doctorate. My career in education spanned 45 years. Along the way I have done other volunteer work; with Southeast Asian refugees in Philadelphia and New Jersey, in a Quaker school in Costa Rica, as a hospitalero in albergues along the Camino de Santiago. My current goal is to continue to work, but only as a volunteer, in ways that use my background, education, experience in the service of other people.
Q: What is your position at LHI, and what is a typical day at the Refugee Center like for you?
Initially I came to Serres to volunteer with Lifting Hands International, thinking I would teach yoga and English. But, the need for English teachers far exceeds the need for yoga teachers. So, I teach 4 English classes per day, all different levels from "pre-ABC" (no English at all) up through Level 3 (about equivalent to middle school reading level in the US). My "work day" is noon to 6 PM, and occasionally I teach the conversation hour or participate in yoga from 6-7 PM. I need to run and mediate daily and I find the morning time perfect for both of those as well as preparation time. To be honest, it is harder than I had anticipated. But, being here is quite meaningful. I am learning a lot and feel moved to be getting to know my Yazidi students.
Q: What have you learned while working in Serres?
Two things strike me from this experience. First, I am so impressed with the friendliness, kindness, and optimism of the Yazidi. In spite of all that they have suffered, most of those I've met are fun and optimistic about their lives. They want to come to class and are anxious to learn and appreciative that we are here. Second, I am struck by the volunteers. On average, I am about 4 decades older than they are. So, for obvious differences in culture and age, I haven't really "socialized" with my colleagues. But, in every conversation I am struck by these smart, well educated (most have masters degrees), multi-lingual young men and women. They could be fast-tracking their careers. But they are here—giving, learning—and having their lives changed forever. As one "on the other side" of adult life, I feel greatly encouraged about the future and how this generation of young men and women will contribute to the world. I am leaving feeling thankful, grateful for all those I've met, and encouraged about what can happen in the world.
Thank you so much, Loren! We share your optimism!
Click here to learn more about our Refugee Center in Serres, Greece.