Refugee Needs

A large proportion of my work days here in Memphis are spent meeting the needs of refugees. The list is endless and many times they revolve around a need for rides somewhere. Memphis' public transportation system exists solely in the form of buses, which don't end up being reliable, take a long time, and the wait can be frigid in the winter months. Some of the locations I have gone with refugees are doctors appointments, grocery stores, and pharmacies. Rides to these places meet very physical needs of the refugees. One day last week I was able to give a woman a ride to the home of another woman who lived in a different part of town, just so they could visit. It might not have seemed important, but for a communal culture this contact with someone from your same culture can mean just a little piece of comfort in such a new and unfamiliar place.

Another need for many refugees is language. The USAmerica is an English dominated place and most every person speaks it in some form, from the doctors, to the woman behind the counter at Walgreens. Some refugees attended school in their country or camp and studied English. Others, especially the women, have never had education, so along with learning English they are learning how to read and write. Through their struggles, I have tried to also learn some of their language. When I use a word they know they smile or laugh at me in delight.