No place like home

In Episode 2 of Between Lives, Farida explains how difficult it was to leave her home behind, and how she is building a new life for her family in Za’atari.

My house in Syria had two bedrooms, a living room and a shop we opened to earn money. The house was a very good size. Outside, we had a small garden where I grew oranges, olives and almonds… the garden was special and the children had the space to play.

We lived happily. My husband worked, my son worked, and I worked in the garden. We needed nothing and never expected we’d come here or see the things we have seen. We had never thought about coming to Jordan, even for a visit. But here we are. We’ve been treated well, but it’s difficult to live away from home.

I especially remember Ramadan, when we would have a big celebration in my home with neighbours, family, friends, and children. We cherished each and every day of it and kindness prevailed among people. We would cook lots of different dishes and spread them on the dinner table. It was special. It’s different here. Everyone here is troubled. Everyone has cried. Sadness lies in every heart. Every family has lost one or two of its members. If not, they have lost their homes and become displaced.

We lost our home when the army came. They ravaged a big part of my house with a tank then security officials seized the house, set up a checkpoint and settled in it. So we had to get out as there was no place to stay anymore. We left and came here.

We first thought that we’d stay here for one month only and then come back to live normally. Staying here for another month was out of the question. But here we still are.

Some of my children have lost hope of returning home. They are safe here, but they lack the joy of life. Back home, they used to play, be happy, sing, and dance.

I want to return home, to the life we had. Our future lies there. I want my children to grow up in their country; I want to be buried there.