Before we begin:

October 5th, 2019

Before any given experience, I like to be cognizant of the subconscious images I carry in my mind. As I enter into this week of working with and walking with women and children seeking asylum in our country, I envision something like this:

Sterile grounds and cement floors.

White-washed buildings with few windows.

An open area in the middle with trailers that serve as interview rooms.

I envision forlorn faces and destitute clothing.

I envision loving eyes and massive hearts.

I imagine hearing stories that no one should ever hear, let alone experience.

I imagine struggling to find compassion for those that are enforcing these laws, creating inhumane circumstances for human beings.

I imagine a staff that is overworked and under-paid, but one who is grateful for the small gifts, small tokens of appreciation and reminders of the world outside of where they live.

I imagine confused children, yet children full of the universal happiness and playfulness that has no choice but to exude from them. Their inherent joy is probably the greatest gift within this chaos.

As I enter into this week with all of these visions in my mind, I ask you to send whatever it is you send, whether its prayers or love or energy, not only to human beings fleeing violent situations but to the persecutors themselves. For if we choose to point fingers in any direction, if we choose to stay silent, we are equally as guilty. Let us have conversations. Let us listen. Let us love.