Live People.

March 28, 2011 at 7:46 am (Uncategorized)

Sometimes the most life-altering conversation can take place around the table.

This week we had the amazing opportunity to share dinner with a refugee family from the Congo. We discussed international perspective, explained various cultural norms, and engaged in his story. This individual previously spent his life in agonizing patience, waiting many years for he, his wife, and precious daughter Constance, to be admitted to join his mother and siblings in the unfamiliar and faraway land of Spokane, Washington.

His story was one of determination, gratefulness, heartiness, and steadfast love for his inspiring family.

One particular phrase stood out to me from all others: “Live people.”

When asked about his experience of transition from Tanzania to the United States, where the first time seeing his city on a map was at the UNHCR Refugee Camp, logging onto Google maps, Bizi had much to say. “I could go on all day about the differences and my experiences – I have an experience.”

In adding emphasis to his many stories, Bizi shared how, in every situation, he was engaged with people. His overwhelming kindness and acceptance and reverence were complimented by his love for relationships. In every coffee cup he’s learning to fill at Starbucks to every American who shows him hospitality, this young man would take the opportunity to learn from them and grow in mutual understanding.

“Live people – you know?”

Bizi’s story is just one, but his experience is what will continue to shape the hearts of others as they search for understanding and encouragement.