CG-ers Devi, Kabi and Dina

“Refugee,” “Immigrant,” “Émigré,” “Displaced person,”…all terms I’ve heard or read regarding those brave people who have had to leave the land of their birth due to political, catastrophic or a host of other reasons. Often leaving family and the comfort of familiarity behind, they begin the process of finding a new home in a refugee camp or facility. Some stay there for a short time, but often for many years, doing their best to create a community. All have one thing in common. There is no going back. That door has closed.

Nations of the world often work together over time to determine where these courageous and resilient folks may journey to build a new life. The United States offers refuge to tens of thousands a year. Coming from all over the globe – Nepal, Bhoutan, Somalia, Eritrea, Bosnia, Iraq, China (the list could take the rest of this blog) – they are not looking for a free lunch. They are looking for a home.

I am proud to live in a country that offers hope of such a home. My great grandparents came over from Norway, ready, needing to start a new life. And I’m glad they did. Now we get to pay if forward with those coming into our country.

If you’ve had the privilege of helping anyone in our “refugee” community learn a language, develop a job skill, explore the intricacies of US culture, or Boise’s challenging public transportation system, you know what I do. None of the terms I mentioned elicits the right image. These are people I love to have as friends, neighbors, part of my community and heart. It doesn’t take long before the term “refugee” is replaced by “friend” and the term “international” is tacked on the front, only because I want to honor their courage and strength of character and to learn from them.

Note to those who wonder: Refugees are not here “illegally.” Refugees are invited to this country by our government, live within our borders by request and come to make a contribution and home.

Sandi F.