A Journey of Compassion

“My journey with All Hands and Hearts in Türkiye was a profound and life-changing experience. It reminded me that in the face of adversity, compassion and unity can rebuild what was lost. “

Cath, AHAH Türkiye Earthquake Relief volunteer

Cath, AHAH Türkiye Earthquake Relief volunteer, shares her story that began with a moment of crisis and led to an incredible journey of compassion and service. 

In early February 2023, I, like many others, watched in horror as the news unfolded about a devastating earthquake in Türkiye that claimed the lives of over 59,000 people while they slept peacefully in their beds. I knew I couldn’t stand idly by; I had to get involved. The question was how, and the path ahead seemed both daunting and filled with possibilities.

I had three options:

1. Collect Winter Clothing from Afar: My local community was rallying to collect winter clothing for those who had been displaced in Türkiye due to the earthquake. However, the logistical challenges of transporting, storing, managing, sorting and distributing in an area with compromised infrastructure made it seem almost impossible.

2. Send Money to NGOs: Another option was to send financial aid to trusted NGOs working at the disaster site. While this was a noble choice, the value of the South African Rand made me question the impact I could truly have.

3. Go: This option resonated with my heart the most – to go there myself, to be on the ground, lending a hand where it was needed most.

The past three years had seen my home country, South Africa, weathering its own series of challenges – from the global pandemic’s lockdowns to widespread flooding and civil unrest. Communities around the world had shown remarkable generosity in supporting us during those difficult times.

It was time for me to return the favor.

ARRIVING IN TÜRKIYE

So, I took the leap and applied to volunteer with All Hands and Hearts (AHAH), an organization dedicated to helping disaster-affected communities. My journey began with a series of long shots, including the application process, security clearance, commitments, approvals from both the board and my family, flights, connections and a final sprint through the bustling Istanbul International Airport.

As I arrived in Türkiye, I was greeted by a landscape of tents everywhere.

Karahmannmaras is beautiful city surrounded by snow-capped mountains, filled with life and resilience, even amidst the devastation. The makeshift shops, markets, places of worship, schools and play areas were interwoven between damaged buildings and the constant hum of bulldozers. Smiling faces persevered, embracing life in the face of heartbreak.

LIFE ON BASE

The All Hands and Hearts base camp itself was a marvel. Rows of tents stood proudly on gravel paths, an open-air kitchen, toilets and a shower block enclosed by blue plastic sheeting.

It was five-star accommodation constructed with care, surrounded by olive groves and the striking landscape of Karamahnnmaras.

As someone not accustomed to cold weather, I arrived ill-prepared with a lightweight sleeping bag, pillow, mat, blanket and minimal clothing. However, the generosity of the staff and other volunteers soon overwhelmed me as they offered a blow-up mattress and heavy blankets. Yet, even with these additions, I shivered through my first night, feeling ill-equipped and exhausted after a 25-hour journey.

The hauntingly beautiful Call to Prayer marked the start of each day; the sound enveloped the valleys, carrying the pain of a people in mourning. It contrasted with the myriad of accents belonging to the diverse group of volunteers: electricians, engineers, teachers, students, farmers, nurses, financiers – all emerging from their tents and making their way to the coffee pots, expertly tended by Octav, the athletic Romanian systems engineer.

DAILY ROUTINE

Our daily routine was a whirlwind of activity. Coffee, ablutions and breakfast were hurried affairs, leading up to the all-important morning meeting. It was during these briefings that the camp’s moving parts were revealed. The previous day’s work sites were discussed, site security concerns addressed, new arrivals welcomed, departures celebrated and base duties assigned.

There’s no changing the world without maintaining a clean camp and ensuring fresh wood chips in the composting toilets. Most importantly, we had the opportunity to choose our volunteer options for the day. It was a mad rush as teams were formed, bags were grabbed and shuttles departed.

THE POWER OF UNITY

I was in awe and proud to be part of providing over 30,000 meals three times a day to volunteer dedicating their time to meet the needs of those impacted by the devastating earthquake. Our work involved sorting and folding mountains of clothing for distribution, preparing food and constructing tents and shelters for the vast number of internally displaced families and individuals residing in tent camps (known as internally displaced persons (IDP) camps). The days were long and often heartbreaking, but it was the shy smiles and heartfelt gratitude from the local Turkish community that kept us going. There were also moments of shared laughter as we attempted to speak the local language, counting to ten and packing thousands of Ramadan breakfast packs.

What struck me the most was the incredible power of people coming together for a common purpose. All Hands and Hearts, with its ability to attract and mobilize a diverse group of volunteers from all corners of the globe, is a testament to the strength of humanity’s spirit. It’s that sweet spot where AHAH’s commitment to building trust with local communities aligns with the dedication of volunteers, both on-site and behind the scenes, working tirelessly to make a difference.

In the words you’ll often hear at AHAH, “We arrive early and stay late.” It’s a commitment to the communities we serve, a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and a reminder that when we come together, we can create real and lasting change.

My journey with All Hands and Hearts in Türkiye was a profound and life-changing experience. It reminded me that in the face of adversity, compassion and unity can rebuild what was lost.

I hope my story inspires you to find your own way to make a difference, whether it’s close to home or on the other side of the world. Together, we can create a brighter future for all.