Volunteer Spotlight: Molly, International Program Co-Director

Molly distributing solar lights in Kurdistan. Photo by David Lohmueller

Molly with her dear friend, Kayla

Tell us a little about yourself:
My name is Molly Nixon. I’m from Nebraska and am 30 years old. I studied social work and Spanish in my undergrad at NAU, but more importantly I am trained in trauma-sensitive yoga. My life goal is to support genocide survivors and refugees with their basic life necessities, but also to support their healing journey through yoga and the arts.

How did you get involved with refugee work?
Before coming to Serres, I started as an independent volunteer providing emergency relief (boats arriving from Turkey, when the border closed, etc.). I also helped to set up a women's space in Istanbul for Syrian women. 

What is your position at LHI?
I am the director of the LHI Refugee Center in Serres, Greece and other international projects and also a yoga and fitness teacher in Serres.

How did you get involved with the LHI Refugee Center?
I was inspired to work with Yazidi refugees and when the camp opened we knew we could help to fill the gaps. We started with more basic needs like food, water, and blankets, but quickly expanded the program to support the overall well-being of the camp residents. It has been amazing to work together with the camp residents to build the programs they value.

Molly hiking in the Himalayas during her latest yoga training

What does a typical day look like for you?
Sitting behind the computer, meeting with team members, hosting meetings, leading yoga and fitness classes, meeting partner orgs, making sure all of the pieces of the puzzle fit together!

What has been the most meaningful experience for you?
Sharing yoga with the Yazidis has been the most meaningful experience for me. Opening my eyes during classes to see them in states of deep relaxation brings warmth to my heart, inspiration to be a better me, and all the love I could ever need. 

What have you learned over the last few years? How has your perspective changed?
Working with refugees over the past years has taught me so much about the world. People often ask how I have the strength to be in the field for such an extended period of time, but it is being in the field with refugees that actually gives me strength. The camp residents have survived a genocide, many of them have loved ones being held in ISIS captivity. I can relate with that pain after my dear friend was held by ISIS for years and later killed... Seeing them continue to live such lives of compassion, dignity, resilience inspires me in more ways than words can say. The residents lift me up, fill me with light, and inspire me to be a better me. I have learned to see the beauty in the little things, the light in darkness. As volunteers we receive just as much, if not more than we give. There is truly no where else in the world I would rather be. 

Learn more about the LHI Refugee Center in Serres, Greece here!

Volunteer Spotlight: The Car

Getting my daily fill of distribution items. Photo by Shannon Ashton

Just chilling at ENA Cash & Carry after buying flour and sugar.

Tell us a little about yourself:
My name is The Car, or sometimes The Yellow Car. I’m a 12 year-old Nissan from Athens. My life’s goal is to survive another few years without too many mechanical failures!

What is your position at LHI in Serres, Greece? 
I am the main mode of transportation for a team of 20-30 coordinators, volunteers, and occasional visitors. I perform several runs of diapers, pieces of clothing, cucumbers, cans of tomatoes, people, pairs of shoes, and so many more things throughout the week, all of which is made possibly by your generous donations. My position is 100% critical. I would love for a van to join my ranks.

How and why did you get involved with LHI?
My previous owner Lamprini is a Athens-based journalist who drove Hayley, the founder of LHI, and an American journalist around Athens and other refugee camps during a reporting gig back in June of 2016. Once Lamprini decided to retire, she indefinitely lent me to her team. I miss Lamprini. She’s an amazing human, and she had a good taste in music. The millennials on the LHI team don’t own any CDs, so it gets a little boring.

What is/was a typical day of volunteering at LHI's Refugee Center like for you?
I drive to the warehouse at 9:30 or 10:00, take a load of vegetables, dry food, diapers, or other distributions to the camp. Sometimes I drive an hour to Thessaloniki to pick up aid from the Help Refugees or IHA warehouses. I do a sneak a few trips to a gyro stand for chicken souvlaki every once in a while. Can’t drive on empty, you know?

What has been/was your most rewarding experience working at LHI’s refugee center in Greece?
It gives me a thrill to hear “Where’s the car,” because it means I’m about to do something important and meaningful, like deliver distributions. I’ve gotten used to hearing, “Where are the keys?” Haha. I’ve also learned a lot of French, German, Italian, English, Aussie, Kurmanji, Arabic, and Swedish phrases with all the different drivers over 2.5 years. 

What have you learned while volunteering with LHI in Serres? 
Self-care is critical! That means regular oil changes, tire rotations, and break pads. I’ve also learned how to appreciate the little things, like zip ties, duct tape, and air fresheners that smell like cologne. Like a volunteer can only go so long before taking much needed breaks, my suspension system will suffer after transporting too many heavy loads. 

Want to help fund a badly-needed van? Email us at info@lhi.org.