Fundraising by Nadia Cadrobbi

It is now almost ten years since Operation Dove came into my life.

Since then I have met in Albania the silent pain of Lule, whose son was taken from her by a violent hand.

I have met Muna's dull eyes outside a camp for asylum seekers in Greece.

I met Mariam's tears in a tent in a Syrian refugee camp in Lebanon.

I wonder, today, what I have learned and what all this pain can bring me.

I learned the joy of waiting when a few months ago Lule laughingly told me she was "at peace."

I learned the thrill of freedom when Muna welcomed us into the house and taking off her veil told us "with you I feel safe."

I learned the tenderness of the encounter when despite the absence of a common language the embrace between Mariam and me spoke without words.

In these ten years of Operation Dove I have learned to dream.

I have learned to dream of a peaceful future with Lule.

I have learned to dream of the right of international protection for Muna.

I have learned to dream of the right to return home for Mariam.

"There is that now that I have learned to dream, I will not stop" (Negrita/Fiorella Mannoia).

And you, will you help me not to stop dreaming?

To continue I need you too.

Thank you!