Friday, June 10, 2016

Walking in different shoes

To begin our training with World Relief, we participated in a refugee simulation called “Walk in our Shoes”. During the simulation, we assumed the identity of a refugee, dressed up in traditional ethnic clothing, and got to choose three items to take with us. Then, we were dropped off at a refugee family’s house where we spent the night. The next day, we had to learn how to use public transportation to navigate the city of Nashville to find several locations around the city that a refugee would need to go to (post office, library, health department, etc.).

Here is more about Noah’s experience: A Walk in our Shoes gave fresh insight into the life of refugees. The program brought me into an Iraqi home, where I was able to see Middle Eastern culture first hand. I was stunned by the love and hospitality they showed. In spite of the stigma held about the Middle East, these refugees are just as human and caring as the nicest of natural born Americans. But the definite conclusion from the intern-immersion program is that the souls are in no less need of Christ as we are, and we must love them by sharing Christ with them.

Here is more about Grace and Courtney’s experience: Our simulation began with us entering the home of a Congolese family who spoke entirely in Swahili, with the exception of a handful of English and French words. They graciously welcomed us into their home with love and acceptance, feeding us traditional African food for dinner (twice), taking us to the market, and introducing us to their neighbors and family. Through this experience we saw that even though refugees consider themselves fortunate to have come to the United States, they face many challenges once they get here. We now have a greater understanding of what refugees experience and have a deeper compassion for these precious people, and most importantly a greater desire for them to know the hope and salvation found in the Lord.

-Courtney and Noah