People often ask me how I got started with my work with refugees. My story is posted on this site. If you are on the home page, just click the tab that says, “About Asha’s Refuge”. (I know not too many people have read it because I get status updates.)

When someone is newly interested in the volunteer work I do with my international friends, there are always initial questions. What is a refugee? Where do they come from? Are they legal? Why are they here? How long are they here? Will they ever go back to their countries? Why are refugee families split up? How can I help? How do we communicate with them if they don’t speak our language? Who allows them to stay in run down bug infested apartments? Why should I help immigrants when Americans need help? As a Christian, should I help a Muslim? Who pays for their resettlement expenses? Are they taking all of our American jobs? Should we be concerned that some may be linked to, or supportive of terrorist activity?

These questions are legitimate. I asked some of the same kinds of questions. I often still have questions and concerns. My time working on the ground with refugees, however, has given me a lot of answers and insight. I’ve got some answers. I would love to share my opinions, insights and facts. Let me at least tell you, the many refugees I’ve come to know really love America and wish no harm to Americans!

I will open a new page soon. I think I’ll call it “What You want to Know” or maybe I should just be simple and call it “Common Questions”. I’ll add questions and answers to it periodically as I or one of our staff members have the time to write and answer. I may even open up a way for others to comment anonymously and ask their own questions. I don’t have all the answers but I and the Asha’s Refuge staff have learned and researched a lot. If we don’t know an answer, we’ll work hard to research your question and give you an answer based on the facts we find and our own personal experiences.

Until then, we thank you for your prayers, encouragement and your support. I believe with all my heart and soul that we are going forward towards the “first love” focus that God has given us. We appreciate you and value your willingness to pray, serve and just love.

(PS…if it’s appropriate in a blog…our charter has been written and reviewed by our board of directors. It will be mailed soon I pray. The 501(3)c paperwork is being finished up by our advisor and will be ready for our review very soon. The logo may be complete this week. The bank account may be open for donors to help financially in less than 2 months. Praise God; may He have His way and every bit of the glory!)