Resilience

As this Derry trip comes to a close I can’t help but feel a little sorrowful.  This trip was very good but also very hard. Everything that we learned and everyone that we heard from sparked so much joy, interest, and moments of mourning.  Whats my favorite part of this trip you ask? It’s the people. I have learned so much from the people of Derry, but the thing that I have learned most from these amazing people is the word resilience.

Most of the people we met were in some way affected by the Troubles and yet are still standing through the trauma. Yes, there were also people that died or were affected by the trauma so much so that they took their own life, but, there are also organizations out there to help save and restore hope into their minds.  Other people went on to start businesses that would instill peace or happiness within the community or they went on to tell their story even if it was seen as scary.  

I am thankful for everyone’s story at the Playhouse.  I got a greater look into other peoples stories of what it meant to be dealt a not so great hand, and yet after it all, transcend it to go on and formulate peace amongst groups they would have killed and everyday people that experienced the trauma of the Troubles.  

I am astounded by the people at Holywell and what they continue to do for a divided community after they themselves have also experienced trauma from the conflict.  Everyday at Holywell was a blessing. I learned what it meant to get back up even when it is hard and what it means to do something that brings me joy and what my joy can do for the community as well.  

The word that I needed to hear on this trip and eventually at some point in my life was the word resilience.  Not only did I hear the word but I was actively shown what that looks like through the conflict and the Troubles.  As a person that hasn’t been dealt the greatest cards in life (which are different than what the people of Derry experienced) this was a very important trip.  In all of the good things and hard things I have learned from the resilient people of Derry and I hope that I will be able to translate the hope that they have for their community into my life.