Recently, I hit my one year mark for being in-country! This has transitioned me to full time work – no more language study. Full time means a ramp up in visits and program involvement, and I've really enjoyed it. One such program is for moms and tots. It’s for any refugee mother with kids under 10 or pregnant, and focuses on creating safe, welcoming environments and supportive community where truth can be shared openly. Mostly, the demographic is African, Afghan, and Arabic. At these, we’ve been able to provide some aid (food, clothing, opportunities to see nurses) and prenatal classes for English speakers. From there we are able to visit families, form relationships, and come alongside them in their journeys holistically. In a country that looks down on and scorns refugees because of various prejudices, the spaces created by these programs are greatly valued and are a source of encouragement. As stated by several of the women, “We’ve found laughter, joy, community, aid, and dignity here.” It’s a great opener to explain that we love them, that God loves them.
The picture: We do art therapy and discussion groups with the women during this program, and it’s always special to see what they create. This particular picture was made by one of the women representing how God is and how He sees her.