I live and work in my country. Secure among my own people, I generally did not understand how difficult life for a refugee can be. But this state of ignorance changed rather abruptly when I met a few Eritrean brethren for the first time about one year ago.
During that first meeting, I heard firsthand their painful experiences. My eyes and heart opened as I listened. I was especially touched by the plight of the women.
That sharing birthed a number of friendships that continue to grow. Based on mutual respect, trust, love for God and for humanity, our friendships defy the language barrier. We have cried, laughed, prayed and encouraged each other.
Using an interesting mix of hand gestures, facial expressions and broken English, we manage to understand each other perfectly.
They live among us, but due to the language differences are kept apart. I realized that I was among the first ‘locals’ to freely interact with many of them.
I empathise with these loved ones as I sense an almost tangible yearning to go back home in their hearts. It is a silent cry, so deep and so intense that it cannot be expressed. It can only be felt.
But, for many, until they are free to worship Christ openly, they must remain away. Away from all things familiar; sights, sounds, people and even foods, not knowing when, if ever, they will go back to Eritrea.
I realized after attending a few wonderful Eritrean weddings, that many of these newlyweds are forced to live apart as the husbands search for work in other countries. Such couple can only hope and pray for the clearance of their refugee mandate papers so that they can be together.
I have learnt much and in the process grown to admire the women of Eritrea. Refreshingly feminine in dress and demeanour; blessed with wonderful chocolate skin tones and beautiful hair; Eritrean women retain a quiet dignity that defies the hardships and loneliness they face as refugees.
I celebrate them for they are a strong people; strong in faith, strong in love for God, strong in resolve, never to let go of their Saviour. Optimistic and lively, they laugh much, are a very close knit community and support one another through the tough times.
For me, there is much to learn from the way they handle adversity. May I show Christ to them even as they encourage and challenge me with their faith, grace and strength.
In conclusion - I must confess that I have grown to love their traditional food - Delicious!
Christine - Open Doors
During that first meeting, I heard firsthand their painful experiences. My eyes and heart opened as I listened. I was especially touched by the plight of the women.
That sharing birthed a number of friendships that continue to grow. Based on mutual respect, trust, love for God and for humanity, our friendships defy the language barrier. We have cried, laughed, prayed and encouraged each other.
Using an interesting mix of hand gestures, facial expressions and broken English, we manage to understand each other perfectly.
They live among us, but due to the language differences are kept apart. I realized that I was among the first ‘locals’ to freely interact with many of them.
I empathise with these loved ones as I sense an almost tangible yearning to go back home in their hearts. It is a silent cry, so deep and so intense that it cannot be expressed. It can only be felt.
But, for many, until they are free to worship Christ openly, they must remain away. Away from all things familiar; sights, sounds, people and even foods, not knowing when, if ever, they will go back to Eritrea.
I realized after attending a few wonderful Eritrean weddings, that many of these newlyweds are forced to live apart as the husbands search for work in other countries. Such couple can only hope and pray for the clearance of their refugee mandate papers so that they can be together.
I have learnt much and in the process grown to admire the women of Eritrea. Refreshingly feminine in dress and demeanour; blessed with wonderful chocolate skin tones and beautiful hair; Eritrean women retain a quiet dignity that defies the hardships and loneliness they face as refugees.
I celebrate them for they are a strong people; strong in faith, strong in love for God, strong in resolve, never to let go of their Saviour. Optimistic and lively, they laugh much, are a very close knit community and support one another through the tough times.
For me, there is much to learn from the way they handle adversity. May I show Christ to them even as they encourage and challenge me with their faith, grace and strength.
In conclusion - I must confess that I have grown to love their traditional food - Delicious!
Christine - Open Doors
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