77 families and me,
I live in a small apartment complex were there are 77
families, these people are different than most places where I have lived or I
should say come from many different places, either works very well, I love to
call this place Idaho’s projects, a low income housing development designed to
help people find a way to survive in these difficult times.
I volunteer here as a community leader, why I am not so
sure, I mean I never look at anything I do as special or outstanding it is just
not my way in life, I know I am good at taking photos and such and have
traveled extensively world wide, but it is just the way I have been all me
life. I do try to help people and have done so for many years, another thing I
can not really explain, it just comes to me to look at others and say “How can
I help you”. So when they asked me to step up and help it just felt natural.
So about these different families and where they come from
or even how they ended up here in Boise Idaho still is confusing for me, some
come from the war torn areas, or poverty stricken of the world, Iraq,
Afghanistan, Bosnia, Somalia, Tango, Mexico, Cuba, It is like I live in refugee
complex, probably because that is what has happened, a local community out
reach program and yes they have brought refugees here from all over the world,
these people have gone through so much just to get here, just for the
opportunity to live the American Dream.
These families struggle with adjusting to a life so
different they are just unsure as to what and how to accomplish this dream of
bettering themselves. It starts with the language barrier, or I should say that
is about the easiest thing to see when you meet with them. However this goes to
extremes in differing directions quickly, and shows how this small community
really needs help. These people come from violence beyond what most here in
America can even understand, prosecutions are almost a standard here, from
religious to simple education levels, from Countries that America is somehow
helping to stop.
This population of refugees is divided on most simple
issues, like what is okay to do or say to someone else, the cultures are so
different, there seems to them no real clear understanding of the changes they
now face. From shopping to driving or schooling each have such a different
value, but it is in this value that shows the world why America
I am tasked with daily endeavors of encouragements, from
socializing and trying to bring these different cultures at least a small part
of coming together, or trying to achieve the dream they have had to just get to
this small place in the middle of a country, most have only dreamed about.
I am not sure if this makes me a hero, or just a man with
compassions, to take this opportunity to say, please dream of the better life,
you can have it if you try.
The needs of this small community are great, there is no
picnic tables in the play ground, there are no real adult educational classes
going on, there is only this dream from these people so less unfortunate. That
seems to have driven us together for a common goal. To live in a place where it
is safe just be you, no matter where you come from, what your religious beliefs
are, who or how you marry, or cook.
I guess I live in place where the concept of America
It is an honor to live here and raise my own children right
next to these courageous individuals that one day will be Americans just like
me or you.
Chas
No comments:
Post a Comment