It’s been great to continue hearing from Asha (the Asha our organization received it’s inspiration to start Asha’s Refuge from) and her family. They moved to Nashville about two years ago now I suppose. At first, I was pretty taken back emotionally that she would move away from all the help and resources that had been set up for her and her family here in Memphis. I thought her challenges would be too difficult for her without my help. God showed me something though…it hadn’t been me at all helping her and I knew that but at times I would momentarily backtrack and think I had some sort of helping power that I really alone didn’t have. It was God helping her through my obedience to serve with love actions and it was He who had helped her all the way back in Somalia and through the many years of her crawling around at the refugee camps. And, it would be He who would help Asha in Nashville or wherever she would later go. And like many other refugees I had become close to in friendship and caring love, I realized that refugees were adults, they were now free from all the bondage and persecution they had spent years under and they were eager to see more of their new American world. Like my adult children, it is inevitable and a good thing, one day they will want to spread their wings and fly.

Asha and her family had heard how nice Nashville was and felt the job opportunity and housing opportunities would be better. I couldn’t deny that Nashville was a neat place and probably did have some advantages over Memphis at the time for her family. Sometimes refugees get word by previous refugee individuals that a city elsewhere would be better for them to move to and they will suddenly pack up and move their entire family pulling them out of all the programs, schools and medical help they were getting. I’m not surprised, however, when I receive phone calls or the word travels from other refugees in the community that such and such in New York City is terrified, crying all the time and wants to come back but doesn’t have the funds and isn’t prepared for the fact that their first entrance refugee status help cannot be replaced as a refugee entering into the system a second time. Lately I’ve been hearing about several families who are interested in moving to a small town in Arkansas. I pray they have done the research they need to do and that they are successful. I told one moving friend, “I don’t think this little town will be prepared for you guys!” She giggled. I thought, “no really!”

Despite the challenges that face these families when they move, after some time and tough dedication many refugee families are successful in their move. Asha and her family is one example. I wasn’t too surprised that she, her hardworking smart brother, his new wife and the two girls they were raising would be successful! I miss them all dearly but am so thankful to God that they are doing so well. Asha reminds me that the friendship, love, help and teaching I was able to provide myself (in Christ) before starting Asha’s Refuge and then after starting Asha’s Refuge was a good foundation for her to feel secure and strong enough to make this move. I pray they saw Jesus in me. This is a good thing to hear… Asha’s Refuge is making a difference in the lives of others. (Thanks to Jesus and all the volunteers.)

The two girls are going to school and loving it there. Asha’s brother and his wife had a baby boy. Last I heard her brother was driving a freight truck and making good money to help support his family. Asha continues to be a stay at home mother to her too nieces (remember she calls them and sees them as her daughters so I probably should too) preparing meals, keeping up with chores around the house and making sure the girls are in school. I am sure she is babysitting her brothers little boy at times too. She is happy. They are all happy. Asha and her family have courageously spread their wings wide and have taken flight! They are experiencing many blessings from their hard work, their helpful spirit towards others and their positive attitudes. I trust that they would want you to know how very appreciative to American citizens they are for allowing this opportunity for them to be free. They have hearts aimed to work hard and give back. Here’s are some updated pictures I received that she welcomed me to share. I’d say their flight has been a success.

{Please continue to pray for Asha and her family as well as Asha’s Refuge (how we will continue being bold sharing the love of Jesus). Also pray for refugees in our community who continue to struggle in some areas and those from all the nations that remain under fear, terror and persecution desperate to get out. Thank you for your sincere prayers in advance.}