Refugee Visit #2

One day during my August "staycation", I tagged along with the junior highers to visit refugee communities again. I just love getting to hang with the kids from the apt complex in City Heights. Many of the same kids were there. I brought beads and yarn and we made bracelets/necklaces. We talked about school and family. The two sisters from Mexico remembered me and were so proud to show me their birds again. I wonder what their lives are really like?

A Day with Refugees

When you work in the field of philanthropy, asking for a day off of work to visit local refugees is a no brainer. Since I came back from Africa, I've been dying to be with Africans...or at least some non-American people. However, a few days before last week's trip, I was *this* close to not going. My introverted side was a getting a little anxious - not about reaching out to the refugees but about jumping into a group of pre-pubescent white church kids from North County. I used to be one of those kids...so not sure what my "ish" was about. There was a little awkwardness at first but let's be honest...I think they were more awkward on the outside than I felt on the inside. Ohhh the days of jr. high... zits, bangs, superficial friends and awkward first kisses (and no, we won't go into details, thankyouverymuch).

In the morning, we spent time at College Center Covenant Church where many Sudanese attend. The church's English speaking congregation reaches out to the refugee families in many ways including a "clothing closet" - a room transformed into a mini clothing "store" - free, of course, to people in need of clothes. A few of the jr. high girls and I sorted and hung donated clothes. The others worked to clean out a room for sewing projects and prepped a garden for growing produce. I was fortunate to meet and talk to a Sudanese lady who was probably in her 40s but looked not a day older than 29. She was so tall and beautiful yet I could see her pain. She is a widow with 9 kids between the ages of 8-27. I wanted to sit with her for hours and hear her story of hardship and hope. The few minutes I got with her was enough to be amazed at how she has perserved in this city for 14 years.

In the afternoon we went to an apartment complex in City Heights (apparently via a connection with Alliance For African Assistance) where many refugees and immigrants from all over the world live...Africa, Asia, Mexico. A true melting pot. We brought clothes, soccer balls, sidewalk chalk, books, games...I even brought nail polish. We spent hours playing with the kids and talking to the adults who knew some English. It was wonderfully surreal feeling like I was in a foreign country for the afternoon. One little Mexican girl in 2nd grade held my hand every time she was near me. It was so endearing. At the end of the day, she and her sister invited me into their shoe box apartment to see their pet birds. My heart melted. And then the cherry on top?? Deaf kids! Two of them! I tried, without much success, to sign with one 8 year old African girl. She knew her colors and not a lot else. I didn't get to meet the deaf boy who kept running away...maybe next time. I have to say, I was impressed with the jr. high kids who stepped outside of themselves for the day to reach out to others. Thankful too that I put on my big-girl pants and got over my insecurities because it was all worth it and more.

Wish I could do this everyday (and still pay my bills)...

http://fromcalitokenya.blogspot.com/

Compassion Bloggers in Kenya

I just discovered that group of bloggers who sponsor Compassion kids are in Kenya right now. They are blogging about their trip, posting stories, videos, and pictures...and I'm hanging on every moment! I love this idea of sending bloggers to Compassion countries to share their experiences...web 3.0 style. Way to be with it, Compassion!

This is one of my fav videos they posted. This girl's got rhythm! Check out her head jam...LOVE it!



I miss Kenya...when can I go back?

http://fromcalitokenya.blogspot.com