I remember visiting Sudanese refugees living in a camp in Northern Uganda a few years ago. I was unsure what to expect. There was ongoing conflict and many people caught between opposing forces had to flee, leaving their homes and lives behind. We saw people who had just walked into the refugee camps that day, numb, vacant eyes, traumatized and exhausted. They sat on mats, waiting for food, shelter, and water.
I visited a church where I was asked to speak to a group of women. I was so aware of their suffering and not wanting to be trite or religious, I did not know how to address their world and their situation. I could easily get on a small plane and fly to my safe world, while they could not escape but had to stay and face uncertainty and loss.
When in doubt, I figure the best bet is to say little. I listed immigrants and refugees in the Bible – Abraham, Moses, Joseph, the whole nation of Israel, Ruth, Daniel, and Jesus – and simply said that God saw them – he sees their suffering. That was all I knew.
I was unsure what to expect, but a lady got up – and said she agreed. She was so grateful to God because He had seen her. She and her children were safe. Another spoke of leaving meager possessions on the road but being alive. Another spoke of her son escaping capture and from being used as a child soldier. Her gratitude was boundless. On and on these refugee ladies spoke of gratitude, of faith, and of hope. That day is still imprinted on my mind. Their gratitude made them powerful. They had agency and hope for the future.
This attitude I see in our partners in East Africa. On asking them what they were grateful for, the responses covered a wide range – that malnutrition rates had decreased as parents learned about nutrition; that children were learning to express their feelings and growing spiritually; that children with disabilities were being included in the lives of the community and not isolated and hidden. We have pages and pages of reports of change they have seen.
The Pacific Northwest is far away from the dusty refugee camp. Here we have the beauty of colorful leaves, cozy fires, and pumpkin spice. As we celebrate Thanksgiving here, may we also truly practice gratitude, revel in the beauty of our lives, even amid pain, and know that we are enough.
In Loom we are grateful for the whole spectrum of our partners – from those who serve on the frontlines with refugees and vulnerable children, to those who work hard and give generously to enable us to continue this work. Thank you.
