It’s been a few days since the speaking engagement at Briarcrest School. It was a good learning experience for the students who were interested in understanding more about refugees here in Memphis, TN. It was also a great opportunity for Asha’s Refuge to share about the needs refugees have and how they can get involved to help. I am thankful to Briarcrest and it’s students for allowing us to come speak to them. I have a feeling this will be the beginning of what is to come for my coworker and I as we faithfully step out and share our experiences and heart regarding our friends from all over the world.

I mentioned to the students that for me the move to help refugees through Asha’s Refuge all started with one simple act of love. It’s amazing how one simple step forward in action can start something that can change an entire family, a school, a church, a community, a city and I am just going to be confident…quite possibly our world. I pray some of the students heard that part and are encouraged to take faithful steps towards God even if they are itty bitty small steps.

I didn’t get to say everything on my heart to the students and even if I had it probably wouldn’t have been said eloquently enough to be understood. I’m not a great speaker, but there’s a lot in my heart that I want to share. I bet there’s a lot Deborah wants to share too. Walking and living life alongside the poor and the refugees the time that I have has taught me so much. And I’m still learning every moment.

I’m looking forward to future opportunities to share about the refugee situation in Memphis and how we can come along side of the resettlement agency (Catholic Charities) to help them help a struggling refugee family. I am prayerful that my eyes and heart will remain open to the will of God. I just know He is up to something so sweet and I do not want to miss being a part of it.