“I am special. I am unique. Thank you for letting me be who I am!”

She is now six years old. And she is a different child altogether. She grew up alongside a little sister barely a year older, who is spontaneous, confident and outgoing. From day one, we repeated the camp’s message over and over again: “I am special. I am unique. Thank you for letting me be who I am!”

To the tune of the anthem that accompanied us throughout these days, we saw her smile, play, join in, talk and reach out to others. The little girl who used to hide now runs to meet us. She seeks out the other children, shares, cooperates and gives hugs full of confidence.

This transformation did not happen overnight. It is the result of years of presence, closeness and affection. The result of feeling loved, accepted and valued. The result of a journey undertaken alongside her, her mother and her whole family.

Over these four days, we saw each of the camp’s themes come to life.

The first day: “I am special!” And she began to believe it.

The second day: “I can change and make a difference!” Her own story was the best example.

The third day: “I’m not alone; I have lots of friends!” And there she was, surrounded by children, enjoying a friendship that had once seemed impossible.

The fourth day: “I want to sow the seeds of peace!” And that is exactly what she is doing: healing wounds, overcoming fears, opening her heart and building bridges.

It has been an intense four days in two desert villages. The children were eager and excited to be together and to play. Most of them do not go to school. The nearest school is in Jericho, kilometres from their village.

They arrived very early, clean, eager and full of energy. Open to learning and playing, their hearts brimming with hope. Under the scorching sun, tempered this year by a cool breeze that felt like a gift from God.

This little girl reminds us that love transforms. That closeness heals.

Today she smiles as she sings: “I am special!”

And seeing her, we believe it too.

Here, in the middle of the desert, in the Holy Land, this little Bedouin girl, with her extraordinary capacity for transformation, is already sowing peace.

Sr Cecilia Sierra,
Comboni Missionary Sister in the Desert of Judea

Jirenna