"we do what we can and we adjust as needed."

A story shared by Natalie Feulner, with Carry the Future. Original post here.

We are learning the difference of what may seem like a good idea, and what actually works. Many people, including our volunteers, have asked why we primarily focus on baby carriers. 

Simple, we can't do it all. 

A focused operation is a more successful one. It would be impossible to meet every need. But we do what we can and we adjust as needed.

Before leaving, many members of our team packed toys and goodies to give to children at the port. Lollipops, coloring books and glow sticks took precedence over a fourth pair of socks or a makeup bag. However, we quickly realized that unless we had one of everything, handing super-cool new toys to a group of kids stuck at a port for days, did more harm then good.

Like all kids, some would take more, leaving others looking for their share. It was heartbreaking to say we had "no more" when a nearby child clearly had five but didn't want to have to give one up.

And understandably so.

These children have had to give up everything, pillows, stuffed toys or a favorite pair of shoes, gone. Volunteers offer choices when possible, but many times there aren't options. They ask for simple things: pajamas, socks, shoes, a matchbox car for a little brother or friend. Many times we have to say no, but we do what we can-- a pair of socks slipped into the pocket of a carrier, or quickly forced onto the feet of a toddler too busy to stop.

This morning as we meet ferries, the need will be different. Some people may not even know where they are or that every border out of Greece is closed with police, barbed wire or worse enforcing the line.

We will adapt and as always, we will smile and love. Because no matter what we bring in pockets, we'll never run out of kindness. #ctftripjournal#ctfAthensTeam9
- Carry the Future Volunteer Natalie

Pictured: Team Leader Rebecca

#SolidarityMonth #WearAllTheBabies#RefugeesWelcome #SafePassage#CarryTheFuture