Camp and All The Feels

Gathered for morning announcements.

A few weeks ago Joe and I had the opportunity to lead a short term Mission Trip of Perimeter folks to Clarkston for a week to help at Friends of Refugees Summer Spectacular Camp.

When Joe and I decided to take on the responsibility of leading this trip we had to sort of assure the powers that be that we could pull this off. But there were several moments along the way when I questioned whether or not we were actually going to be able to do it. Johns Creek, where our church is, is very different from Clarkston. Johns Creek is an upscale, top of the line, efficient, and timely community. Clarkston is laid back, runs by a slower clock, and is not hyper organized. I love both places, but the enemy used these difference to whisper lies to my mind telling me that I am not good enough. That there was no way I was going to live up the exceptions of the team, that I'm just some kinda weirdo to care about this stuff any way- the team would just think I was nuts. That surely all of our plans for the team would be shot, and that our co-leaders in Clarkston would be disappointed in us.

 Self doubt is one of the insecurities that has recently been whispering in my ear for more then just the mission trip. I have recently applied to grad school to take classes online to get my MSW. My senior year of college was a really difficult time, and my anxiety was growing with no mercy. So every time I think back to the last time I was a student, I remember feeling anxious and miserable. So when I get overwhelmed (like when leading a mission trip) the enemy takes the opportunity to tell me, "Why did you think you could do this? You're not a planner. You're too young. You have no self discipline. You suck with details. You. Will. Fail. And if you can't even handle this, what makes you think you'll be able to handle gradschool and work? Forget it. Why are you even trying. By the way your laundry is waiting, your house is dirty, you need to call your family, and you haven't worked out in months."

But then, somewhere in the middle of the week, Jesus reminded me of a lesson He has taught me time and time and time again. That HE is all I need. That he loves me no matter what, and that he was going to take care of everything I needed. And so He did! The trip was a success, and the team was so kind, patient, flexible and awesome. I am so thankful to have been surrounded by such an encouraging group of people. I knew that Jesus was calling us to help with that trip... why would I question whether or not he will provide? Of course he did- more abundantly then I could have hoped.

Most of our time was spent at camp during the day, helping the camp counselors lead about 130 Clarkston kids through various lessons and activities. It was about a billion degrees, we were running off no sleep, and it was so, so fun. One of my favorite things about kids that don't come from wealth is that often they are so pleased with everything. Their expectations are so innocent, and if you have some sidewalk chalk, UNO cards, and a soccer ball you're pretty good to go. The campers are from many different countries, back grounds, and religions. One of the most memorable moments for me was with a sassy little 6 year old from Iraq. He and I were eating lunch together and we overheard someone say something about Christians. He turned to me and said, "Christians are bad. Muslims are good, and Christians are bad." I said, "Oh really? Hmm."  At that moment the camp director Emily walked by so I asked him, "Did you know Ms. Emily is Christian? There are a lot of people that work at camp that are Christians." He replied, "Really? Oh. Well... Then all the Christians at camp are good... but that's it."

And that's what its all about! I didn't have to say anything about Islam, or about theology, or backgrounds... I just got to say, "See that girl? She loves you... and she loves Jesus. What do you say about that?" I am really thankful for and proud of all the camp staff and interns that are living the image of Christ, breaking down one wall at a time. Correcting one myth at a time. Loving one kid at a time. Glory to God.

Here are some picture from our trip! Thank you so much to everyone who prayed for us, and made this trip possible.

Genius move by Joe - when you want to play a game but can't communicate with words... breath holding contest! 

Friends playing UNO... never knew there were so many variations to the rules.

This kid is going places.

On Tuesday night we did home visits which was really special cause Joe and I got to take some of the team to meet some friends we already had. This was especially fun because my mom got to come with us too. Family is such a HUGE part of their culture (they are from Pakistan) and bringing my mom to meet them was such a treat for everyone.

This is the team outside the Hindu temple in Lilburn. From left to right: Joe N., Stacey, Gina, Lily, Carter, Peter, Joy, Me, Gina, Davis, and Joe W.

Chance and Myself. Chance spoke only Kinyarwandan... and no, I did not know that was language until we met. Isn't she stunning?

Jalla, me, and Rihanna

Friend of Refugees Youth Director, Josh Smith, our team member Jean, and some friends getting ready for lunch (hence the hairnet fashion statement by Josh). 

These students in particular loved spending time with Joe. They do not speak Enlgish yet, but they both spoke French - thank God for Google Translate :)

Team picture at camp: Top Row Left to right: Peter, Jenny, Me, Joe N. Joe W. Tommy and Jacob. Second Row: Joy, Summer, Stacey, Lily, Jean, Gins, and Carter. Front: Davis

One of my personal favorite nights of the trip we were with Proskeneo Worship Institute at the Friends of Refugees Community Garden. PWI uses the arts to worship God and one of their goals is to create cross cultural worship experiences. So, we worshiped in different languages led by the students in the ministry. It was so great to be singing in different languages and have our neighbors walk by and join us in song as they went. The remaining photos are from that night together. 

Greece- Part 2

Writing is often very healing to me. And I have tried to sit down and write about "Greece- Part 2" a couple times- but I gotta get some of the real feels out first.

Within the past couple months there have been some really terrible couple of weeks. Some of the worst. And I have felt sad. Exhausted. And angry. People I love are suffering because of sin and our broken world. And I'm just ready. Ready for peace to come. Ready for Jesus to make the world whole. Sometimes I'm excited that day is coming, and some times Im ticked off at God for making us wait. I don't understand. And I feel justified. I feel desperate to be rescued from the weight of all the evil and pain in our world. But what I forget is that we have been rescued, by our Savior Jesus- God knew we needed to be rescued, and he sent us a Savior because we need to be rescued from this life. I long for that peace, and am on shaky legs sustained by hope in Jesus. I hope you will talk to Him if you are also feeling hopeless and defeated.

Okay. Deeeeep breathe. Greece Part 2.

Chapter 4- The Churches-

One of the most amazing parts of our time in Greece was getting to see and experience different churches. The “home” church we were partnered with is called First Greek Evangelical Church- a church that has been in Greece for a long time, and has now begun planting (starting and overseeing) other churches. Church planting is something that in our culture we might be familiar with to varying degrees. In Greece, however, church planting is not common at all. With such few believers, it is very difficult to raise up leaders, and the knee jerk reaction if there is a leader is to bring them as your own church staff because they are usually understaffed. But Pastor Giotis of First Church has decided to choose faith and obedience and very quickly send out the disciples he has trained that they might love on and invest in more people. 

Inside of First Church

Outside of First Church

One of the church plants that we went to was an Iranian Church plant of First Church. It was amazing to worship in Farsi, along side a couple dozen of our Iranian brothers and sisters. Watching them sing out and read the Bible in their home language was so beautiful. Speaking of choosing faith? Because of the nature of the relationship most Iranians have had with Greece in the past(most likely passing through) the pastor has no resemblance of a consistent congregation. He has been faithfully shepherding his changing group of attendants for years. It was so inspiring.  

Probably one of my very favorite experiences that we had our entire time in Greece was visit the Church of Exarchia, another plant of First Church. This is a very  difficult to explain but there was a neighborhood in Greece that was known as the home area for the Anarchists of the community. The law had no place in their neighborhood, and everyone knows it. The police just don't go there. Ever. It was very difficult for our team to wrap our mind around the fact there there was entire group of people in the city that have decided they will not acknowledge the government, and vice versa. The police just knows that the Anarchist do not respect them, so they just don't go there. Crazy. They are highly educated, and passionate. And the amazing part was that as members of minority, they invited the Christians to plant a church in their neighborhood, as a fellow minority.  So several of the believers moved into the Anarchist neighborhood, and planted a church. Built relationships, "joined" some of the anarchist groups. Meaning, they do not now identify as anarchists in their beliefs, but they read with them, discuss with them, live life with them. We even heard a story of how one man of the neighborhood said to one of the church planters, "You know? I am never going to be a Christian, but if I did- I would follow the Christ that you follow." That story gave me chills- the core group of that church that have moved their families into the neighborhood and embraced incarnational ministry in a way I have never seen. This church was one of the things that stuck with Joe and I the most from the whole trip.  You MUST visit their website and look through the pictures. It was so awesome: http://ecclesia-ex.gr/

Inside the church in Excarchia- the cross is made from hundreds of little wooden cubes- its hard to tell in the picture, but the where the light is shining through the cubes are moving towards you... As the light breaks through the cross is moving towards you. Im obsessed with it.

Chapter 5 - The Team.

One of the most unexpected blessings of the trip was our amazing team. It was me and Joe, one girl our age who quickly became a dear friend, a woman in her early thirties, our lead couple that were about my parents age, and the rest of them were women somewhere in between my mom and my grandmothers age. Being surrounded by mostly older women for the entirety of the trip was the most amazing gift. They were so encouraging to us a believers, as a couple, and as people- we are so grateful for the incredible affirmation and love we got from all of our team members the entire trip. It was a fun marriage week for me too because I had all these awesome older women swooning over Joe and making sure I understood how fortunate I am to have such an amazing husband. Joe is one of kind, and they could see that- and they wanted to make sure I could see it too. The Lord put these women in my life to speak to me at a time when I needed them the most. They shepherded forgiveness, healing, and the bravery to explore... I love each of them. And can't forget the one other guy! Joe and Heiko paired off like life long pals and the Lord really let Joe's time with Heiko be calm, free, and fun. So thankful for the one older guy on the team to embrace Joe and love him well. It was just a fantastic group. 

Left to right back row: Joe, me, Alli, Heiko, Cameron, and Linda. Front three: Jeanie, Kay, and Caitlyn. Not pictured: Cynthia! We love you and missed you in this pic, Cynthia! 

My new sister friend Alli- we had to go to Greece to meet each other but she lives where I grew up and we have about 100 mutual friends. We were meant for each other and it all came together in Athens, Greece :) 

Chapter 6- Greece. Just Greece. 
Going to Greece was not something that had been on my radar at all- ever. Not for missions, not for vacation, just never occurred to me to want to go there. I was sorely mistaken in my error of writing Greece off- it is a fantastic place. The culture is so beautiful and people centered - as opposed to our culture which is more work/task/individual centered... ie every time we ask how someone is doing the answer will probably be "busy" whether thats true or not. We like being busy for some reason. That is not the Greek way... at all. We had coffee every time we got some where, somewhere in the middle, and then before we left. The Greeks focused on each other, and they weren't in a hurry. So often I sing that Alabama song in my head- "Im in a hurry to get things done, oh I rush and rush until life's no fun. All I really gotta do is live and die, but Im in a hurry and don't know why." The Greeks seem to really get that "live" part right. And I love it... felt really right. Before we left I had several people warn me that working with the Greeks might be frustrating because they are "lazy." Well... I understand what people are saying- that their work day is shorter, that they don't highly prioritize efficiency in the same way we do... organization trends that we have here are not a thing there... but lazy isn't it at all. They prioritize people, and sun, and fantastic food.... not lazy or bad. Just different. 

Because we went through MTW we spent a good amount of time with the MTW team in Greece - the Kirkland family. Phillip and Joy, and their three kids Norah (I think she was in middle school), Everly (Upper elementary age) and Abraham (6.5 years old). And they are so wonderful. They moved to Greece from the US about 4 or 5 years ago and have truly embraced their life there. They are extremely committed members of the neighborhood and their Church community, they volunteer working with immigrants and refugees all the time, and open up their hearts and their homes to younger couples in their Church community. Their faith and perseverance was so inspiring, and  they were just so lovely to be around. I count it a privilege and joy that we got to spend time with them and I look forward to keeping in touch and Lord willing getting to spend more time with them in the future. Please pray for their family as they have encountered some health issues (and I'm sure consequential medical bills) and its a disheartening blow to give your life to serving the Lord in that way and simultaneously face these kinds of hard ships. Pray for their kids safety and education as they grow up in a country that is beautiful and wonderful, but very much struggling economically as a whole. And pray for perseverance in their work and their spirits. We were told there are less then 30,000 Christians in the entire country of Greece.... not exactly the popular religion. So please pray that their minds are protected from discouragement as they face such a huge task to walk in faith in a society where it is viewed as strange and abnormal. Glory to God for their bravery and peace. 

Left to right: Everly, Joy, Norah, Phillip, and awesome Abraham in the front

Conclusion:
If I were to pick a word to describe the entire trip it would be encouraging.  God is moving his creation in amazing ways- ways that the world has never seen. So many people do not have access to the gospel, can't ask questions, can't get to church or believers... and God is moving them to places where they now have access to the gospel, they have safe space to ask their questions. The tragedies resulting from ISIS moving throughout the middle east is devastating to say the least. But the Lord, in his Sovereignty, has used that awful reality to hold open the gates for people from the middle east to hear the gospel. They are learning more about Islam and about the origin of their religion because of ISIS... and it's making them pause. It making them ask questions. What an amazing chance to introduce the Gospel! The refugees have lived a certain way their entire lives-many born Muslim- and now everything they have ever known has been completely shaken. And that includes their understanding of the Islam. The time to reach them is now, and getting to be part of the efforts being made to love them in Greece was amazing.
On a more personal level, the trip was overwhelmingly encouraging to my marriage, and my dreams of ministry. I fell in love with Greece, with doing ministry with my husband, with the women pouring every ounce their love to me, and with the Kirklands. I pray that the Lord will lead my path back with the women, back with the Kirklands, and continuing to do ministry with my husband and refugees. Believers, don't hold back. The world is changing and we have the chance to respond in love and the for the whole world to notice Jesus. Remember the love you were given, and don't hold back.

Greece- Part 1

So, we went to Greece. We decided to go in 24 hours, left two weeks later, were gone for 10 days, and have been home two weeks. I've tried a couple times to sit and write about our experience... but it has taken me quite a while to even begin to wrap my mind around everything we experienced. On most mission focused trips I've been on there's a way to come back and report what kind of work we did with some sort of order because you do something similar every day. But in Athens, it wasn't like that. When we left, Joe and I hoped we would get to work with refugees, and learn more about what their journey looks like before they get to the U.S. We wanted to grow in our ability to empathize, and accurately describe their situation to our church. And thats exactly what happened- and we are so thankful. But...the trip was just so much more than that- so much more than expected- that theres just no way to limit telling you about our experience to describing just our work with refugees.
I am an emotional person and my heart has had to deal with each different section of the trip like processing chapters of book- so thats how I'll organize it for you--- in the chapters of my heart. This post will include the first few chapters which are focused on the tasks we had before us on our trip; the second half is information we learned about Greece, and the amazingly encouraging people we met and their faithful stories.

Introduction: 

Joe and I traveled with an MTW disaster response team that was working in partnership with the First Greek Evangelical Church. This church, and her church plants and people are how we got connected to every part of our trip. Their pastor asked MTW to send teams to help relieve the members of the church of the exhausting amount of work they are faced with- so we went. And we were present. Ready to help work when they wanted to be helped, and ready to just sit and have coffee if that was better too. 

Chapter 1- Refugee Resource Center

The refugee situation in Greece is that in general many Iranis, Iraqis, Syrians, Afghanis, etc are moving from the middle east, through Turkey, taking a rubber boat (the dinky ones all over the news) to a Greek Island, and a great big ferry from the islands to mainland Athens, Greece. Once they get to Athens some of them go straight north, and some stay for a little while (a day or two) but almost all of them are headed to northern Europe. There is a city square in Athens called Victoria Square. Its nothing to write home about- there seemed to be 100's of "city squares" in Athens so Im not really sure what made this one a hub other then location but its where many of the refugees would gather once they got to Athens if they were going to spend a little more time there. Many of them just need a day to wait for their family to wire them money etc. So the church started a resource center right off the square to help meet the immediate needs of the refugees. Our role was to create a system for them to organize their donations, and volunteer in the greeting area of the center. So, when we went to the center we would go into the square (with our Farsi speaking translators) and ask the women and children if they wanted to come inside. Once inside they would do what any traveler wants to do- wash up, change clothes, go to a clean bathroom, charge their phones, use the wifi, have a cup of tea- and just rest a while. Most of the people were wearing nice clothes- they were just so dirty by the time they got to the center that many times they would just throw them away and take the new clothes. There was a kids room adjacent to where the mothers sat where the kids had a safe, clean, calm (ish) place to play. 

I love working with children- and was very much looking forward to working in this little room with the kiddos. The most important thing I learned is that my suspicions were correct- all kids everywhere love bubbles, and Mickey Mouse. Another fun aspect for me was that some of the kids were older, and could understand that I couldn't understand them- and they had a grand time listening to me try and pronounce their colors. They were smart, they were educated, and very well behaved. A few of them knew some English. Their smiles were bright; so resilient, so admirable. There are few things sweeter then getting to hold a baby that you know has just been to hell and back- give her a bottle, and pray for her precious heart and treacherous journey ahead. Some things in life remind us that all humans are the same- and one of them is babies. Everyone ever was a baby at one point and needed to completely be taken care of 100% of the time. They all need love, and they all receive love- no matter what they look like, what their family believes, or what they have experienced. These kids are just innocent bi-standers of the horror taking over their homes. And there they were, in a strange room in ancient Greece, having a grand time with crayons. Glory to God for crayons.
    

The sitting area in the Resource  Center: 

These are the bags the refugee women were carrying. This is all their possessions now: 

Kids Room:

Clothes Donation Room Before:

And After: 

And this is right across from the drop in center; refugees trying to stay warm over night sleeping on the square:

Chapter 2 - Red light District

When I was in college as Social Work student I spent hours and hours and hours reading, watching, and listening to any piece of credible information I could get my hands on regarding sex trafficking in Atlanta. After some time interning at a domestic violence shelter, the Lord led me to work with kids in my hometown- and the prayer and motivation to somehow help protect them from the risk of being trafficked never left my heart. 

I feel really deeply- about everything- and I consider my emotions and ability to empathize deeply a gift from God. So when I heard that our team was going to walk through and learn about the red light district in Athens tons of things went through my mind. To say I was excited sounds a little weird... Disney World is exciting, not brothels. However, I have spent so much screen time and book time learning about what so many men, women, and children experience in human trafficking I feel like I had maxed out my ability to grow in empathy and compassion for trafficking victims without actually seeing it. Smelling it. Feeling the spiritual darkness. I knew my experience would help me better understand what they go through- and that felt like a privilege. A terrifying privilege. 

And... it was awful. So nauseating to see and to smell. Heart crushing to learn the details of cost, time spent, years lost, lives lost, lies believed.... I will not put the details here because not everyone wants to know. And I understand that. If you want to hear more about it- let me know. I'd be happy to share. 

The most impactful thing personally for my heart is that while we were walking and praying I sincerely was able to pray for the traffickers, pimps, and johns ("clients"). Previously I had a hard time praying anything other then I hope hot coals get dumped on their heads from now until forever. But God has been teaching me a lot about my sin. And my capacity to sin- my ability to engage, love, and pursue evil. So when I saw the men walking in and out, in and out, for the first time in my life I felt compassion towards them too. I am not better then they are. I have my own addictions, my own secrets, my shadows I try and keep hidden forever. So who am I to judge them. We are not different. We are the same. Just as in need of Savior. This was a healing step for my heart to take. Glory to God, and may the hurting and broken  of all people involved in  trafficking - victims and perpetrators- experience the freedom and peace that only comes with Christ. 

Chapter 3  - The Port

The refugees that are coming into Athens are arriving via massive ferry at the ports- just normal big city ports - nothing unique about that part. So a handful of the team decided we wanted to go down to the port to be present as the refugees got off the boats and headed either via train, bus, taxi, or by foot to wherever they were going. We had literally no clue what we would find when we got there so we just kinda wandered up in the freezing cold dark of early morning, and we heard an English Speaker talking who was loaded down with baby carriers- so obviously we followed her. Long story short we ended up joining a group of people that had taken over an abandoned building at the port, were from all over the world, and different non profits and NGO's and they said- here, take this bag of stuff and wait for the boat. So, thats what we did. Loaded down with socks, hats, water bottles etc we posted up along the side walk and waited for the current of people to come. There are no words to describe all the feelings that came next. It felt a little like being a palm tree in a hurricane. They just kept coming, and coming, and coming. 2500 refugees on one ferry. And that was one boat of four that day. It was undoubtedly one of the most overwhelming experiences of my life.

When people come visit us in Clarkston, or we are having conversations about refugees I often have said things like, "They don't need your pity, they just need help getting used to this new country." And I meant it as much as a I could... but standing in the waves of refugees coming of the boat the most distinct thing I felt was admiration. The people were so resilient, and brave. And I was surprised that they were so so so much like me. They looked like me, were dressed like me, and just wanted a place to charge their phones, get a snack, and use wifi like me. They weren't helpless, destroyed people- just their presence and determination to take their family to a better life demanded the respect and admiration of any onlooker, including myself. It was a whole new experience being with refugees in a country that was foreign to me too because when they asked how to get somewhere or what they should do- I was absolutely no help. Because I was completely lost too. It was such a humbling reminder of how easy it is, and necessary it is just to offer a sojourner basic help getting from one place to another.

I chose this picture to show you how large the boats are they are coming in on- this one had 2500 refugees on it:

And this is what it looked like when they opened the door:

One more thing I would like to add about my experience with the refugees in Greece is that there was absolutely zero negative reaction when we told them we were from America. At most they said, "America? Ohhh Los Angeles?"... Not exactly. Because of the stereotypes of middle eastern people I was nervous they would have a negative reaction towards us. I very quickly realized how self centered that was- they are crossing a huge part of the world for the sake of survival. They certainly aren't loosing any sleep thinking about me or America.

These experiences were life changing for me because they immediately changed they way I view everyone in my city.... when I got home to Clarkston and saw the only Syrian refugee I know I wanted to hug him and cry with him and ask him if he had traveled through Greece. He  now has so much more of my respect because I have seen a teeny tiny little part of what he might have experienced.

Please pray for refugees, for Greece, and for peace in the world.

TBC.... Part two coming soon

Off to Greece We Go!

Sitting in that frantic calm that is that moment before you board and airplane- Joe and I are somewhere between feeling like we could sleep for the next three days, and also maybe could run a marathon if we had the time.

Two weeks ago we got an email that meant we could fulfill one of our dreams that lead us to Clarkston in the first place. Sometime last year Joe participated in MTW's disaster response training qualifying him to be in a group of people that agreed to be on a list of folks that would consider traveling short notice. So, on new years eve we got an email that said a group was going to Athens, Greece from the 15th-25th to work with refugees;; let us know in 24 hours if you want to go.

So, we proceeded to freak out, and call all our bosses on a holiday (sorry dears), and decided to go. And yes, it did feel like super short notice- but for us it really didnt require much processing because it was clearly and answer to prayer.... so much so that it would have been disobedient to not go.

In November an opportunity came up to go to Greece through a different group(and that did feel like a shock), and then another with one of our partner churches in December- and this made Joe and I take notice. We couldn't go on these trips because of our work obligations, so we started praying that  an opportunity would come up in January when our calendar was more clear. We didn't know how, or who it would be with - but we prayed. So when a group we hadn't heard from in over a year "randomly" reached out- we knew it was no accident, and jumped in.

I feel, excited, nervous, and super ready. We don't know much about what we will be doing - but please pray for :

- our team
-the refugees
-time to reflect
- my emotional heath. The only thing I have to offer is my heart, in hopes it will reflect Christ. And I need to depend on Him for this strength, and sometime I forget that.
- that Joe and I have the opportunity to work with kids
- safety, and good health.

The line is boarding behind me, so off we go!

Refugees: What They Are, and What They Aren't

My heart breaks for the tragedy that has taken place in Paris. I lift up the victims, their families, and their country. Freedom is a cause worth uniting for, and I intend to do so... but I intend to do so for the sake of humanity, not for the sake of my comfort.

Before the attack on Paris, there was obviously a huge media explosion concerning the Syrian Refugee Crisis, what the world should do, and what we should do. In this there clearly existed two sides of the equation, whether we should let "them" in, or not. The Paris attacks served to fuel the fear that screamed "keep them out." And yes, I am heart broken for France and her people, but I am devastated for the future of refugees in our country, and Syrians everywhere. 

My opinion is that we should welcome the refugees, but I would like to clarify why- why I believe for the sake of our country this is an acceptable and good thing to do. The following will outline a few things that I think are important to know as you decide which side of the debate you land on.


A Refugee IS NOT:
-- An illegal immigrant or undocumented migrant- I desperately hope that everyone that forms an opinion on the refugees coming to the U.S. understands this crucial difference. There has been information released to tell the world that one of the Paris attackers came to Europe on a boat of Syrian migrants. This, however sad and worrisome for countries that are being bombarded with migrants in Europe, has nothing to do with the U.S., or the refugees that would come here. When we say "refugee" in reference to someone that is relocated into the U.S. we are talking a legal refugee of war. Not an undocumented migrant who found solace in a camp or bordering country.

A Refugee IS:
-- On average vetted for 18-24 months before being allowed into the country as a legal refugee of war. A refugee must be able to prove that their lives were in danger, all the stories of their family members must align, and it has to be without question that they applied for the the status because they feared for their lives. Refugees are subject to interviews and or screenings from UNHCR, the State Department, National Counter Terrorism Center, the FBI, Department of Homeland Security, USCIS, and the Department of Defense. They go through health screenings, culture orientation, they are fingerprinted, and if they are Syrian they face a Syrian Enhanced Review. 
--One of few- less then one percent of refugees worldwide are approved for resettlement.
-- A refugee is tired- the majority of refugees stay in a camp for over 7 years. This is of course after they have fled their home country.


I would like to address the fear that some have that terrorists are going to come into the country as a refugee. Considering the above information, it is unrealistic to jump to that conclusion. Our country is obviously at risk for a terrorist activity, but it doesn't make any since for a terrorist to try and get into the country as a refugee- after first waiting in a camp for multiple years, then waiting through 2 years of paper work, to then have no control over where they are relocated in the first place.

I am not saying that its ridiculous to be scared of terrorists. I am suggesting the perhaps becoming a refugee is the least likely way that a terrorist would choose to come into our country. 

Believers, I beg you to keep in mind what Jesus has to say about refugees.

Leviticus 19:33-34

"When a stranger sojourns with you in your land, you shall not do him wrong. Your shall treat the stranger who sojourns with you as the native among you, and you shall love him as yourself, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord you God."

Proverbs 14:31
"Whoever oppresses a poor man insults his Maker, but he who is generous to the needy honors him."

Isaiah 25:4
"For you have been a refuge for the poor, a refuge for the needy in distress, a shelter from the storm and a shade from the heat;"

If the Church responded to the refugee crisis by welcoming the sojourners among us, as the Lord commands, the entire world would notice the love of Jesus. This tragedy could turn into a stage for the love of Christ.

If you are a believer and are of the political opinion that refugees should not be allowed into the country, please do not confuse these two things in your communication with non believers. The Lord says take care of them.

So, as you have conversations, as you pray for the world, please remember what Christ has done. The Lord has called us out of fear, to a place where we are free to love. As someone with a compassionate bent I kick back to the idea that the only reason I want to welcome the refugees is because I have a "bleeding heart." That is simply not the case. As an American when you understand the process there is nothing to fear in the refugees in the first place. Finally, as a believer I am called to welcome them because Christ welcomes them, just as He welcomes me.

Because We All Need Friends

This is Joe and some of the students he worked with last year at an afterschool program. The Lord really used that job to help lead us to Clarkston. 

Joe and I were amazingly blessed with the location of our little rental home- and we had no idea when we moved in to Clarkston.  A fellow Clarkston resident even mentioned to us this weekend that we lived in the"missionary corner" of Clarkston, and that's fairly accurate. Some might see this as a bad thing, and I think "Christian bubbles" often have many negatives... but for where Joe and I are in life, our neighborhood feels a little bit like heaven. Some amazing folks, (I'm sure I will be mentioning more down the road) Doug and Karen Guess, moved from a very "well-off" area of Norcross, and are now developing a safe community in Clarkston with new homes that are beautiful, and will hopefully attract people to Clarkston that have the influence to spend their money locally and help boost the economy. Its an amazing idea that we've already seen bless the people that are a part of it. Because Doug and Karen are followers of Christ, many of the people they know that have decided to build in this Clarkston neighborhood, called Carroll Park, are also believers. Conveniently enough for Joe and I, this neighborhood faces our backyard. That means we immediately had access to 5/6 Christian families that were moving towards incarnational ministry, and are highly focused on being awesome neighbors. And praise the Lord, even though we are not actually part of the neighborhood, they have so graciously adopted us into their community.

A couple weeks back Doug and Karen hosted a neighborhood potluck that we got to go to, and the entire night was one of my favorite experiences in Clarkston so far. Young families, empty nesters, singles, us... it was a beautiful group of people brought to a safe place to eat together, just because we all live in the same place... isn't that the way it should be? Shouldn't that be the norm for followers of Christ as opposed to being unique? I mean, I have never lived in an actual neighborhood before- but I've had plenty of neighbors.... some that I knew- and most that I didn't. Why is that?? Every single one of us, Christian, married, single, atheist, moms, dads, kids, rich, poor, LGBT, black, white- whoever- all experience loneliness. All long for human connection, and to know that someone cares. And I think that is one of the reasons why any of us join any kind of group in the first place- its a community to be a part of. A place to belong.

It seems to me the concept of finding "community" in the church has become a buzzword to describe your friends that are Christians regardless of where they live. And please please hear me say- I am not knocking this concept AT ALL. I am just wondering what happened to the importance of geographical community that we see so much in the Bible. When Jesus went anywhere, who was with him? His 12 besties. When Paul went to visit churches, he didn't go alone either. Ruth reflected Christ when she told her mother-in-law, "Where you go, I go." So why don't we see Christian families and friends moving together more often?

Having graduated a couple years ago I hear people say all that time, "Oh, don't you miss it, wasn't is so much easier?" And... yes, certain parts of being in college are just plain easier then post college life. But you know what wasn't easier? Test anxiety. Cleaning the bathrooms at CFA. Having to figure out how in the world to try and be myself. But you know what was way better? Instant access to so many people that I cared about, and that cared for me.

The general view of singles about marriage is that you get to kick it with your best buddy all the time- never alone. Well never alone, doesn't mean never lonely. If you are near marriage or graduation- *HEADS UP*- you will most likely experience loneliness. I pray you don't, but I honestly believe we, as followers of Christ, have a much more active role to play in creating community for ourselves in the geographical sense AND the Family of Christ sense. Cause why not? Look at scripture. It's always better with people around us. If you need some grand adventure and to move off to "establish yourself",...  I challenge you to think through your motives. If it's to prove something to yourself, your parents, your friends, the world.... be careful. Cause there are places in our country, and our world that are amazing. SO much more beautiful and fun then Atlanta. But guess what? Having people to live life with in traffic drowning Atlanta, is better then fulfilling my deep, deep desire to be independent. Every. Day.

So next time you decide to make a move, whether that's literally moving locations, or a new job, or lifestyle... don't do it alone. We aren't designed to be alone. Take some people with you. It will be way way more fun. Looking for a job? Find what community you want to be a part of, and then find your job from there. Whether you move to live next door to a friend, or make friends with the person next door, pay attention to where you are. Think through today. Why did Jesus put you in that house? In that desk? In the job? In the class? In that role? Maybe it's to share the gospel, but also? Maybe it's cause someone needs to share the Gospel with you. And yes, I am talking to you, believers. We need it. Every. Day.


So take a friend. Don't go alone, and then be surprised that you're lonely. You weren't meant to
be alone.


And this takes me to the next part of our evening that night after the Caroll Park Potluck. Joe and I have had the fun experience of becoming friends with a refugee family from Pakistan that came to Clarkston over the summer. And I will spare all of you the details, but they are refugees because they are Christians. And were in very, very real danger staying at home. So they came to here. And you know what? They had to come alone. They didn't get to bring all their friends, or family... they had no other option.

And that's the story of so so many of the refugee families in Clarkston. They are forced to leave their very family/ group oriented communities where they seem to understand what being a real neighbor means in a much more real way then we do in the US, and they are plopped here.... In our "prove something" individualistic society. Alone. And that's why- That's why talking to your neighbor matters. Cause at one point or another you are both going to be lonely. Whether your neighbor is a refugee, someone exactly like you, or someone you have never met. One thing you both have in common is that you need people. Wouldn't you want to have the comfort of knowing the person down the street is there for your good  and not your harm? Do you want them to know that in you as well? Then be the neighbor that knocks on the door. Be the college senior that says, "Hey man, the Lord is leading me to move to (fill in the blank) but I know I can't go alone- what do you think about looking for a church and jobs there?" Be the couple that says, "Hey you know what? We just got married too, want to go on a walk sometime?"  Be the person in Atlanta that says, "Clarkston? Only 15 miles? Yeah, I'll go hang out for the afternoon and teach a family how the grocery store works." Be the women that leaves a note in your neighbors mailbox saying, "Hey you're great, and I'm glad you're in my life" (I'm looking at you, Karen ;)).

The pictures below are of Joe and I with our new friends when we went to their house after the potluck. They have an 18 year old daughter that is so beautiful, and so 18. She loves make-up, dressing up, and taking pictures... and dressing us up to pose us for pictures too. Our time with them was unbelievably fun, and made us feel exceedingly loved. Middle Eastern folks understand blessing better then I do. They made it very clear the we were helping bring blessing from God by being in their home. That the love of the Lord was abounding, and that's why they were happy we were there. Not cause we are something super special... but because of God. They made a cake for us (not part
of their culture), they all ate with silverware for us, they cooked for hours - just to love the Lord through hosting us. We have so much to learn from their reckless love for us as their neighbors... not because they love us- but because they love Jesus.

In summary I would like to say:

Thank you Jesus for protecting Joe and I by literally placing us in a Christian community geographically, as well as with a church we love despite our arrogance in thinking we could do it alone.

Do something fun. Do something adventurous. Take a friend with you.

In order to love people, you have to let yourself need love, and be loved. If you take the role of counselor, dr, judge, or teacher... that's not a friend. That's not love. Love is a two way street.

Love people, because it glorifies Jesus. He loves you so so much.