Before arriving here, I wasn't aware of what a refugee really was, or how refugees ended up in Memphis in the first place. But as I hear more stories and learn more about the system, I have found out a bit more about refugees and the incredible families that have found themselves in the middle of Memphis, Tennessee. Here is the basic process, to my understanding (so I will most likely get some things wrong!).
Most refugees have fled their home countries because of war, famine, poverty, or oppression. This is not by choice, but rather a matter of survival. They will typically flee to a refugee camp where they live in the camp for 5-20 years, and have anywhere from 50-100,000 people living in them. Conditions within the camp are usually lacking a government authority, so violence and assault are common occurrences. Food is brought in and rationed out among the people. Then, Catholic Charities, a resettlement agency, brings about 3% of the refugees into various cities in the U.S and neighboring European countries. Upon coming here, they are placed within apartments and helped to adjust to the culture, and given funds for the first three months of living. They are in debt when they arrive because the money for the flight over is on loan. Families are sometimes split upon coming over, but I believe the goal is to bring them over at once.
The obstacles they face, and the obstacles we are trying to help them with is loss of friends and family, loss of roots to cultural traditions and language, and lack of education. Their greatest need upon arrival is jobs, but also language, transportation and health care. After one year in the states, they can apply for a green cards. Then after five years, they can apply for citizenship. Usually after they have come to the states, they will never return to their homeland.
These beautiful people have taught me so much about God's provision. Their stories are often full of hardships and obstacles that I never could imagine going through. The strength of these people is constantly amazing me, and I catch myself complaining about being hot, or not having what I want to eat when I want to eat it? Most of the women I work with are single moms with 2-10 kids, and I am astounded by their ability to overcome hardship.
I want to raise awareness that God's people from all the nations are right here in our cities! When I think about it, when I die and go to heaven, I will be the minority as a white American...which is so cool and crazy to think about! My prayer this summer is that God will challenge my heart to be more like His, and that I will love His people from all over the world like He loves them.
1 comment:
Wonderful, educational and challenging post. I honestly had a really skewed idea of what a refugee was. And until spring break, I had no idea they came to places like Memphis. It's absolutely incredible what those people go through. Makes my "problems" feel less like problems. Praying for you, Emily! Excited to hear about all God is doing through you this summer!
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