Braving the Sea
The shuddering booms
of bombs yet again fall
two sisters’ childhood is shattered
as rioters and the government squall.
In what seemed like a moment
they thought would end soon
another friend’s life is taken…
visas in Europe seem opportune.
Teen sisters Yusra and Sarah
know their future’s shaky at best
so they beg their parents
to fly far from the nest.
These young Syrian swimmers
pack their bags light
fare to Turkey in hand as they tearfully
embark on their flight.
Wandering the streets of Istanbul
they search for routes to the West
With horror they realize
rubber rafts across
the sea are “the best.”
They push out in dark waters
Stuffed on a dinghy fit only for eight
18 desperate travelers
surrender their fate.
Soon the flimsy engine sputters
Prayers and tears flow
as they brave the cruel sea
and a bitter wind blows.
Yusra and Sarah
decide to lighten the weight
they jump boldly in the Aegean
Swimming through the icy strait.
Their strokes push through
the cold, pain and fear
Praying persistently that soon
the shore will draw near.
After hours of swimming
They miraculously reach the sand
Weary and amazed
They’re alive in a new land.
Exhausted by thousands of refugees
The nearby neighbors have little pity
So the group of 18 find shelter
and food from foreign aid in the city.
Determined to reach Germany
Yusra and Sarah walk countless miles
Cross borders, sleep outdoors
and endure this dangerous trial.
After weeks they miraculously make it
to a safe haven in Berlin
Where they must start over and
Yusra wishes she can swim again.
The girls find a nearby pool
and Yusra pleas for a spot on the team
The coach sees her potential
says yes and re-awakens her dreams.
Life as refugees is hard
But the sisters do what they can
and try to secure safe passage
for their parents to travel by land.
Through grit, courage, and talent
Yusra joins the first Refugee Olympic Team in Brazil
She swims with power
Buoyed by hope and a strong will.
Meanwhile, Sarah audaciously
returns to the Aegean sea
joins efforts to bring many more
refugees across to safety.
These two sisters’ story
is but one of millions who’ve fled
conflict, disaster, persecution
and seek refuge, holding hope by a thread.
May we who live in comfort and ease
show compassion and kindness
as we see and meet
the refugee newcomers among us.
To learn more:
https://time.com/6236203/the-swimmers-true-story-netflix/ https://www.rescue.org/topic/refugees-america
Photo by Tim Marshall