A Walk in Their Shoes

The phrase "spring break" typically brings to mind beaches, sun, freedom from stress, and hanging out with friends. When I think back on Spring Break 2013, my memories will be quite different from those images--and I wouldn't ever trade them.

Twelve of us from Covenant had the privilege and blessing of going through World Relief and Mission to the World's program called "Walk in My Shoes". The coordinators use a variety of teaching techniques that rely on surprises and the unexpected, so I cannot share many details or pictures. What I can do is strongly encourage you to PARTICIPATE in this program yourself!! The week challenged all of us in many ways, but taught us so much about refugees, cultures from around the world, our culture, and ourselves. 

Here are some of the lessons and memories I will treasure from this week:

- Political refugees come from all backgrounds (poor and rich, educated and illiterate), from around the world (depending on where conflicts are) and go through an extremely difficult process (leaving everything to live in the awful conditions of camps, pleading their case, learning different languages, adjusting to a complicated culture, and sooooo much more)

- We got to help a number of existing programs that serve the Clarkston community

Kristopher Woods After School Program, Friends of Refugees, Mommy and Me ESL classes, Refugee Sewing Society, etc

- Everyone has a story. Be willing to ask questions and listen rather than stereotyping them.

- God is a God of diversity. Here in the US we have so many cultures around us that we often overlook or disregard.

- Getting involved means doing the next thing God has in front of you. Again, listen to His call--whatever it is!

(There's a branch of World Relief in Modesto http://worldreliefmodesto.org/--you can help by grocery shopping, picking up people at the airport, etc. It's not hard and it's right in our backyard)

- God provides EXACTLY what we need when we need it. HE IS FAITHFUL!!

- Getting to know members of the Covenant community I do not normally interact with.

Thank you so, so much for your prayers and support. I would LOVE to share more stories and thoughts if you're interested. Please let me know :)

We climbed Stone Mountain

Break between soccer and the after school program