Looking back to 9/11 and forward to Idaho

With the passing of the anniversary of September 2011, I have been reminded of how lucky I am to have been born in the United States. On that day 10 years ago, we were introduced to terrorism and had our first glimpse of what daily life can be like in war-torn countries. It is crippling to consider how man-made racial, religious, and political boundaries spark such intense hatred and war. It has forever changed the way we live our daily lives and shifted our perspectives. We have redefined ideas such as “community,” “hope,” “heroism,” and “security.”

Can you imagine living the fear knowing that 9/11-like activities WILL occur daily or weekly or monthly? My thoughts drifted to the many refugees from countries whose lives are defined by these events and those that have to flee their countries with nothing just because they aren’t the right religion or race. To see my post that defines a refugee and the process of becoming a refugee, click here.

I didn’t realize the timeliness of our Idaho trip. We would be leaving 2 days after 9/11. On Sunday the 11th, I was a mixed bag of tricks feeling emotions of despair, hope, sadness, pride, and anger as I remembered that day in 2001. I realized that the timeliness put me in the best posture for learning, listening, and being a better servant to the organization (Create Common Good) and refugees we will serve this week. Our team has been focusing on knowing God as our refuge and how we are all foreigners here, just passing through.

We depart on September 13 (Tuesday) at 6:45 AM (ouch! yawn!) and return on Monday the 19th. Please remember us in your thoughts and prayers.

Specific prayer requests include:

Refugees
● strength and encouragement as they struggle to learn enough English and skills to secure an entry level job in 8 months all the while assimilating to a very different culture
● almost weekly, someone’s 8 months of government assistance is up and families face eviction if jobs aren’t secured (not as easy as it used to be with the current state of the economy)
● Refugees wish they were able to return to their countries but are unable. Pray for peace with their state of affairs as they face loneliness in a different culture. Imagine moving to a country you were assigned to JUST because they agreed to take you and it is safe

Create Common Good
● renewal of spirit and energy as they live out their daily lives but also emotionally carry the burden of the refugees’ stories and needs
● financial needs be met to sustain
● partnership with the community (we will be working with them to provide a festival to bring awareness to the community on Sunday 9/18)

Team
● safe travels
● no missed opportunities to show love and encouragement to CCG and refugees and anyone else along the way
● renewal of spirit and mind and purpose -- what does this trip have in store for us? what will it mean AFTER the trip?

Personal
● rest & focus--I’m TIRED and I want to be able to give 100%

I'm not sure if I'll be posting from the road...I'll take my laptop just in case!


With a cup overflowing with love and gratitude,
Danielle