Thursday, February 15, 2018

Win some, Lose some

We never dreamed that working with refugees in a foreign country, one that is completely opposite in every way from their home country, would be so exasperating and frustrating at times. Every single Friday night we have a family night of fun and games. Every single week! And yet, if I don't call them and tell them that we're having a Family night, they will not come or they'll text and ask me if we're having something. The same for ladies' morning or any other event that we hold. I must call all of them and let them know. When I call them, their reply is usually "Oh, is it Friday today?" They never know what day of the week it is. They are just like tiny ships on a raging sea, being tossed around in this brutal society (at least that's what they feel it is to them), responding to urgent calls from the Job Center (unemployment office) saying they need another paper stamped by some office that's 10 train stops and 4 bus stops away. Off they go with their babies bundled up and toddlers in tow, braving the bitter cold wind and snow. Or, the school calls them and says their child is acting up and refuses to learn; that they need psychological help. Duh, ya think so? After seeing relatives killed in front of them, people falling overboard in rubber rafts on the sea as they journeyed across, leaving their homes and culture, never to return again. Yes these kids need counseling and help. Families of 4-6 people or more, are living in one or two rooms, barely able to sit around on mattresses on the floor. The divorce rate is high among refugees because the stress levels are through the roof and no family or community around to run to. They feel totally alone here.
Last Friday night was pretty much a WIN as we held our weekly Family Game Night. Over 30 people came and George had flown up to be with us for the day. We also had a small team from the US visiting. We were excited to see how George connected with the people and had them "eating out of his hand" by the end of the night. The kids were having a blast making Valentine's Day cards for their loved ones. It was just a fun evening and everyone had a great time.



Then came Tuesday morning and time for our bi-weekly Ladies' breakfast and discussion. I had called everyone the night before and reminded them. I told them I was making breakfast and that we had a fun craft to do together. I set the table all pretty with candles and Valentine's candy at each place. I had the craft table all ready with beautiful card-making supplies that came from America. I waited and I waited and not one woman showed up! Finally, way late after I had given up all hope, one lady came who is actually not a refugee but has become a good friend. We had breakfast together, just the two of us and had a very nice conversation. We moved a bit closer to spiritual things and even read some verses from the Bible.  She stayed until 3PM so I guess it wasn't a total waste of a day but it sure felt like it. It's just hard gaining any momentum here it seems. We keep plugging away and investing in those that come; trying to understand and empathize with their difficult lives here. And hoping that in the end, they will realize that without Jesus, it's never going to get better!