Text and Photos contributed by Raylena Church Fields.
Turkish baklava made to sweet perfection served with a powerful little cup of Turkish coffee, much more like American espresso, were just two of the yummie delicacies newly arrived refugees offered to the steady stream of curious neighbors who came from across Lancaster to Eastern Market on East King Street to sample foods, shop for crafts, and dance to music from worlds far from central Pennsylvania.
Refugees are people the U.S. State Department recognizes cannot return to their homelands for fear of persecution. Before they are resettled in new lands, refugees spend months and even years in a range of difficult circumstances in refugee camps, often devoid of basic human dignities.
Whether I spoke with a band of friends from Bhutan, excited about wearing their traditional clothing, or a man who could somehow remain squatted for hours, his hands rapidly kneading strands of bamboo into baskets, the refugees talked about freedom –being free from war and persecution. English is still a big challenge, but the word freedom they have grasped.
The event showcased the rich vibrancy of cultures of Nepal, Bhutan, Burma,Iraq, the Republic of Congo, Somalia ,Turkey, and Tanzania. It was sponsored by Eastern Market, Church World Services of Lancaster and the Lutheran Refugee Services in Central Pennsylvania. It was a lesson in geography, world affairs, and the service of humanity.
The organizations work to find housing and employment for the refugees, and often relying upon local churches, organizations, and caring individuals, help them assimilate into the culture of Central and Southeastern Pennsylvania.
Refugee vendors lined tables with handmade wares. There were glistening beaded necklaces handcrafted by two women from Nepal. Tuba and Hilal ran the Turkish baklava and coffee stand. A few tables down there were purses, scarves and other items made from traditional cloths. It was a shopper’s delight.
There was an amazing sitar player. Loiu from Iraq, skillfully entertained the crowd on his electric keyboard. Mesmerized, a young Tanzanian boy drew close to watch his hands gently commanding his keys of ebony and irony.
A dancing circle of Nepalese women soon enticed all sorts of people to dance to the ethnic rhythms pounded out by drum teams. The Kid Capoeira martial arts troupe turned martial arts into dance routines. Various drum circles also took center stage. Children danced in the circles or wherever there was space if they were not getting artists to paint their faces. One face painter, a man from the Congo, delighted in the spirit of the day. In America, he said, he has the right to work for his dream and become a doctor.
Inside of having their faces painted, adults born and raised in Lancaster or Timbuktu had artists draw lacy henna designs onto their arms. People of all hues and from any number of countries celebrated themselves, each other and their new hope, and their new home, Lancaster.
