What I Learnt from the Refugees

by Budi S (Vincent)

 

 

I have put it off for so long to write my experience in visiting the refugees, but a nudge in my heart always encouraged me to do it. I know I owe it to Him who has been so good and faithful to me. I started refugee visits around 12 months ago infrequently and did not have any expectations that I would learn anything. To my surprise, I learnt a few interesting “life” lessons because I rarely reflect and I took life for granted. I never realised that my life was and has been so good to me. Most of the time, I only look up and compare my life to those on the top. I forget there are a lot of less fortunate people who envy me and are willing to do anything to swap their positions with mine.

 

I had some wonderful lessons from my experience. Firstly, I learnt how to be grateful and to be content with “whatever” my condition is at the moment. Most of the time when I visit the refugees, they are still able to smile and they don't consider themselves as in the worst case condition. They offer me a cup of tea and the little sweets they have. If they are able to do it, certainly we can do more than that. Even if you are considered as the poor in this developed country, we can lend our shoulder and ear to them. This is not going to cost us an arm and a leg.

 

Furthermore, have you realised how long they have to wait in the detention centres? Some have 3 or more years in waiting season without being able to work or study. I cannot imagine being in wait and not being able to do anything. For me, it feels like wasting time. Living in this instantaneous age skews our perception of what common life is. We forget there is a season for everything. It is a reminder for me every time I feel impatient, such as being stuck in the traffic or waiting for a job promotion.

 

Lastly, I learnt a valuable lesson of how to be persistent and determined in life. I learnt this down the road after meeting more refugees. Few of them are highly educated and from middle socio economic strata, yet they are willing to let go of everything they own and come to a new country for their sons'/daughters' better future. These are selfless parents and good role models. For them, their hardship is not the end of the world. Isn’t this spirit what we are striving for? What do you do at this stage of your life? Is it something worthwhile?

 

Well my friends, I hope these sharing is valuable to you and I do not mean to teach or criticise, but to encourage you in everything you do. Each of us has only one life and do not take your life for granted. I know the topic of refugees is hard to comprehend for everyone, but this is the bright side I learnt from. There is a silver lining in every cloud. God bless!