It’s neat to see American families get involved with Asha’s Refuge and want to welcome and offer help to families in need. The Rodell family of Collierville, TN is one family that has given much of their time, heart and energy towards encouraging us and offering additional help to the refugee families we serve. The Rodell’s have encouraged their church small group to get involved with helping refugees through Asha’s Refuge and even lead them to collect toys for a large refugee family with several children who had little to no toys to play with. Their family of four (mom, dad and two young girls) visited a new refugee family with me Saturday. It was so sweet to see just how brave they were to bring their entire family into an area of Memphis where so many suburban people might typically cringe at even a thought of driving by. Thank you Rodell Family for stepping out and helping us!

The new refugee family and other refugees we visited were warm and hospitable as they always are. I think they enjoyed receiving their special visit from the Rodell family as it probably comforted them to know that American’s value family too.

The new refugee family lived in an apartment that was still fairly empty. They did, however, have some used furniture already donated that seemed nice to me. I was thankful that the Rodell’s brought a large box filled with toiletries, detergent, towels and kitchen supplies. These items were really appreciated and needed by the new family. There were a set of dishes of exactly three. Three plates, three bowls, etc. The Rodell’s didn’t know ahead of time how many people were in the family they were going to meet. But, somehow God did!

The two teenagers were given backpacks filled with school supplies from Asha’s Refuge. Thank you to our supporters for helping us to be able to purchase those items and get them to these students so that they can jump right into their new school and have what they need for learning.

It’s good for us to have one or two toiletry boxes on hand as we need them for new families or for families who are struggling to keep toiletries and soaps on hand. Food stamps do not buy those items. It’s also good for us to have a few backpacks filled with supplies, liquid laundry detergent and some welcome baskets on hand. If you are interested in helping us provide these items, please look at our needs or volunteer page to find our more information. You may also contact me at jamie@ashasrefuge.org.

You know what is sweet?! The Rodell’s and their small group have now personally been invited to a thank you dinner hosted by the refugee family they helped. This will be a very special treat and one that will be truly humbling for the Rodell’s. I know…God is up to something sweet. It’s amazing how much you receive back when your hearts action was giving the way Jesus intended for it to.