Wendy's blog

From Wendy Duke

Hi friends! Sept. 6, 2009

I have never written a blog before but I have decided that writing about my experience today – joining Elsa in preparing and delivering dinner to our new brothers and sisters is perhaps the best way I could imagine to give my “blogging skills” a try. To be honest, when Elsa asked if I would write about our experience the first thoughts that came into my mind were: too busy, what will I say? Okay, I’ll try. So, here it is!

We started in the late afternoon, teaming up to make dinner for Nadine and her family. The meal consisted of chicken stew (okay, easy enough) with some simple stir-fried collard greens, sweet tea, and a tray of ugali. Ugali? It is pretty much what it sounds like, a paste made from stirring together boiling water and fine cornmeal, topping it off with a couple spoonfuls of butter. As it turned out it was easy to make and, of course, it is always wonderful to learn something new – particularly with a friend like Elsa. After an hour and a half of cooking and chatting we were more than energized for the visit and we headed off with our 6 year old daughters. Let me say at this time that as we drove off to south San Jose I truly had no idea what to expect. I just knew I was going. For a couple of years now (roughly) I have been listening to Elsa talk about her many wonderful stories of transitioning refugees and, somehow, I managed to stay on the sidelines as a spectator, creating in my own mind what it was all like. I was comfortable here. I loved to listen. In my mind, I am sure I believed that by listening I was helping. I can tell you now that I don’t think this is exactly what God has in mind for us. Listening? Absolutely. I think listening is a God-given skill today. However, listening without doing? Probably not quite meeting His expectations. Just my opinion after our visit yesterday.

We arrived at the transitional home in 15 short minutes. I was pleasantly surprised by what I saw. My thoughts at this moment were: Nice street, nice house, well-kept. Lovely place for anyone to start their journey. Within seconds of arriving we were greeted outside by Moses (a friend) and Sanjai (the house manager). Wow, these are some wonderful people. Words that came immediately into my mind when I shook hands with these men were gracious, charming, genuine, Godly, and friends.

I was nervous and excited as we entered the home. Jasmine, my daughter, and Elsa’s daughter Elizabeth just went right in without pausing. Kids don’t over-think things. I love this. Meanwhile, being a private person myself I had this gnawing feeling that perhaps we should say hello, drop the meal off quickly and go. I truly didn’t want to intrude on their space and privacy. However, it was clear that Elsa (having done this before) felt very much at home and had other plans, so I followed her lead and I am glad that I did. When we greeted everyone inside the house I was struck immediately by the closeness of this family. Nadine was quietly sitting in a chair and taking in every moment with her family. She seemed completely at peace. The younger children were like rays of sunshine in the house bouncing around the rooms as they followed us around while we introduced ourselves to their parents who were sitting at the table quietly. Mom seemed “overwhelmed” but in a good way. Not by our visit but perhaps by all that God has set before her and her family in the past few days. I could see how this might be all-consuming. She literally beamed when we spoke with her. There were friends visiting and everyone welcomed us with open arms and genuine expressions of gratitude. Within minutes really, we were drawn into this family with hugs and smiles and the common ground of a journey that we all know has just begun and that has so many unanswered questions attached. Not to worry, God has the answers.

Elsa pulled out her camera and, at the first mention of taking a photo, the children went to their rooms to put on their best clothing. I felt tears coming, and before long the entire family was organized on one sofa for a family photo. I would like to add that they managed to position themselves, all eight of them, in less than half the time it takes our family to do the same for our annual Christmas photo. There was no fussing about who gets to sit next to who, or “bunny ears” over little sister’s head, or silly faces. They simply came together instantly, joyfully and lovingly for a photo that perhaps would be the first of them all together like this, in this place. It was a beautiful moment. At this moment the thoughts running through my head were: family, love, joy, belonging together, new beginnings and God is at work. Are we listening? What are we doing?

May God continue to bless this journey and provide as many people and resources as is necessary to accomplish all that He has planned for this family – our new friends.

Blessings!

Wendy