Eman, 49 years old: “I used to get up really early in the morning and walk to work. I was a secretary at a company in Damascus, Syria. I really loved my job. Even when I was sick I would go to work if I could, because I was really needed there.

My official title was secretary but in practice I did a lot of both big and small things. I handled all the business with the bank and at other companies we had business with.  We didn’t feel like only employees in the company, we felt like we were family. We did a lot of things together and treated each other like you would a member of your family.

At home I used to read a lot. And when I say a lot I really mean it. Above all I love reading about the human being and human nature. That is my big interest, and I would read everything I could get my hands on.

Here in Sweden, my dream now is to study and then to work helping people with psychological problems. I am a very strong woman and I believe that this strength and love inside me will make me perfect for the job.”

In October 2014, Eman Shakra fled Syria together with her husband, daughter and son. They travelled in two separate cars through Syria and then walked over the border to Turkey. Once in Turkey, they waited for two weeks until they got a call in the middle of the night to get onboard a small fishing boat. The 130 passengers were saved by the Italian coastguard after 11 days at sea. In November, they reached Sweden and applied for asylum. “I miss Syria every day,” says Eman. “I miss my friends, and I miss my home. Our apartment wasn’t big, but it was filled with love. People would come visiting all the time, eat, and have fun.”

After 6 months together in one small room at the asylum center, the family finally have a kitchen of their own. “Back home we used to be together a lot, have big dinners, and our friends would be there too. I miss those times, and wish we will sometime be able to return.” says Eman. (c) UNHCR/ M. Femenia/2015

The living room is almost empty, only two beds doubling as sofas. Eman hopes to find some second hand furniture for the apartment soon. (c) UNHCR/ M. Femenia/2015

Eman with her daughter Yara outside their new home in Sweden. They live in one of the apartments on the second floor. It isn’t big, but here the family can have privacy and cook their own food. (c) UNHCR/ M. Femenia/2015

The first bike ride in his new country. Kais tries out the newly repaired bicycle; it wobbles and the brakes are a bit erratic, but nothing that can’t be fixed. (c) UNHCR/ M. Femenia/2015

Refugees. Ordinary people living through extraordinary times. Share their stories.