Karen Morrow
CBF Field Personnel, Fort Worth, Texas
“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus.” – Colossians 3:17
When asked “What is saving my life these days,” my response is the smiles and laughter of refugee women. Their resilience and thankfulness for simple acts of kindness bring me great joy.
The old saying “a woman’s work is never done” rings true for refugee women. They are the primary physical and emotional caregivers for their families who have often gone through trauma before arriving in a safe place in the United States to start a new life.
Initially, hope springs forth from the women and then the challenges of navigating life in a new country without the ability to speak English, without an understanding of how our systems work and the difficulty in finding jobs to support their families turn the women to despair. They have given and given and have nothing left to give.
Recognizing that most of these women come from communal societies where life is lived in multi-generational homes, we saw a need to build community support within their cultures and cross-culturally with other women for friendship and support.
This past year, we began Healthy Hearts and Homes—a weekly program designed to use art, music, movement and education to provide refugee women a space to heal while building friendship and community.
Each week, American women gather to share their talents with refugee women—watercolor painting, glass mosaics, string art, floral arrangements, yoga, dance, etc. The opportunity to create is healing and movement releases the tension in their bodies. Communication is limited as most refugees don’t speak English; but through charades, Google Translate and lots of laughter, friendships are formed and community built.
Periodically, we host educational events with translation led by medical professionals on such topics as when to see a doctor, home health care for children, women’s health care and more. The women are eager to learn and thrilled to receive medicines and other medical items.
Walking alongside refugee women as they transition to life here brings me joy. What act of service brings you joy?
Pray, Practice, Ponder
Today, take a moment to consider what life is like for refugee women and the challenges they face. Pray for these women and those serving refugees. Ask yourself how you might be a part of welcoming refugee families. What resources or connections do you have that might bless these families? Ask God to show you tangible ways you can be involved.
Pray. . .Give. . .Go.
