How wonderful your play must have been, Mary. The photos are keepsakes and even documentary evidence of those whom we should be supporting and thanking.
People often have no idea just how much immigrants give back to our country, nor can they imagine the dangers from which they've escaped, or know how deeply grateful refugees are. I've had the privilege of being part of what is now a national network of faith communities, NGOs, refugee communities, public agencies, professionals, and many more: NoVA Friends of Refugees. Through that organization, created out of a ministry at an Episcopal church in my hometown of Arlington, Va. (I still call the county my home, though I'm in Ohio now), I have helped an Iraqi refugee family resettle (they made me a part of their family), gotten to know many of the Vietnamese who settled in the area, arranged for food deliveries, visits to doctors, met people from so many different countries, all hard workers, intelligent, open to sharing their cultures, and deeply appreciative to be in America. The relationships that can be forged are invaluable. To extend a hand is to receive a hand. To see immigrants through the eyes of children is to see them as the humans they are.
Such an important story, reminding us of when our who Iowans and Americans once were, and must become again. Thank you!
Thank you, Barry. A big compliment, coming from you!
Vang is a mighty work, and this post on on point and powerful. Hold your head up, Mary!
Thank you for your play, Mary! Acknowledging and paying respect to those on the margins is sacred work! Amen and Amen!
Thank you, Denny.
How wonderful your play must have been, Mary. The photos are keepsakes and even documentary evidence of those whom we should be supporting and thanking.
People often have no idea just how much immigrants give back to our country, nor can they imagine the dangers from which they've escaped, or know how deeply grateful refugees are. I've had the privilege of being part of what is now a national network of faith communities, NGOs, refugee communities, public agencies, professionals, and many more: NoVA Friends of Refugees. Through that organization, created out of a ministry at an Episcopal church in my hometown of Arlington, Va. (I still call the county my home, though I'm in Ohio now), I have helped an Iraqi refugee family resettle (they made me a part of their family), gotten to know many of the Vietnamese who settled in the area, arranged for food deliveries, visits to doctors, met people from so many different countries, all hard workers, intelligent, open to sharing their cultures, and deeply appreciative to be in America. The relationships that can be forged are invaluable. To extend a hand is to receive a hand. To see immigrants through the eyes of children is to see them as the humans they are.