When this website was first designed it did not actually start out as a website. It was just a page where I would type out my thoughts. At the time it was called a blog page. I blogged weekly or more about what I felt were crazy, emotional, heart-wrenching, spiritually powerful and amazingly educational experiences in my dealing with people much different than myself culturally whom I had come to know and whom were coming to live and make their lives anew in my very own city. Learning about other cultures and other religions through refugees who became my friends became a joy and passion of mine. I quickly respected the fact that I did not know it all and that there were possibilities that I could learn from people that were not like me…even if they were a bit dirty, different and poor. (Little did I know at at that time that poor is in the eyes of the beholder so to speak.) I desired to understand things from their perspective and my heart broke as though I myself were at times literally in their shoes. The roads many of the refugees had walked were often full of nightmares, wars, death, torture, hunger and horror stories unlike any of the childhood types of domestic violence, family problems, financial problems, etc. that I had ever experienced here in America. And the kinds of challenges that many of the newcomers I met once they had arrived here in America were complicating and one challenge led to another challenge which led to another challenge. I was overwhelmed. After a day with my new friends, hoping to encourage them if even with a smiling face and a friend to walk beside, I would find time to myself and I would write. I would blog about the experience. Often times I would pray. I would write out my prayers for my friends in the blogs. I called it a Prayer Blog. When I write these, I call it a Prayer Journal.

So, I miss my Prayer Blog. I want to try to get back to it when I can. Occasionally, I’ll write about whatever might be on my heart with regards to the refugee community as it is at the time. Sometimes it can be personal…please forgive me. It’s just who I am. I’ll write and say a prayer. Remember, this is a blog. Blogs are opinionated. You are always welcome to comment. 🙂

I’ve been working more and missing the time I used to have face to face as much with refugees in our city. It’s been a good thing for me as the founder of Asha’s Refuge to pull back some and allow others to help me to help them. After all, that is what God asked me to do. Remember, I was overwhelmed! There was no way I could have managed helping so many refugees with all the many needs there were. I am not sure that I would have been able to pull back as much if I had not had been forced to. Sometimes I think God works like that. Life has forced me to ask for help more. I supposed I felt like I was burdening others. But, it seems we have the best volunteers I could have ever ever imagined! God has prepared so many ladies and gentlemen for such a time as this. The men and women are seasoned and not afraid and so ready to just love and be helping hands wherever there is a need. Thank you Jesus for providing the volunteers you have. Thank you Jesus for taking care of so many new families as you have. Thank you for showing me that it’s okay to ask for help. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your kingdoms work. Thank you for teaching me new things. Thank you for Deborah…she is such a great leader in my absence. Thank you for the many that support and encourage Asha’s Refuge. May your kingdom grow and your glory be known through us.