I haven’t written for a couple of weeks. I’ve had some things going on in my personal life, and I need to focus on myself for a bit. However my past 2 weeks pale to insignificance compared to what has happened in the lives of some many other people. Of course, experiences are relative, but still I count myself lucky for the relatively easy life I have been given.
Today is November 10th, today many bloggers are uniting to write about refugees, with the hoping of increasing awareness. The Bloggers Unite initiative was designed to harness expression in support of human rights and issues in need of highlight. Refugees United is the only online, highly secure and anonymous possibility of refugees to reconnect with family.
Today I got up out of bed, after hitting the alarm clocks snooze button 3 times, I just wasn’t quite ready to crawl out of my nice warm bed. I took a hot shower, got dressed, fed my cats and headed out the door to work. Once at work I said my cheery good mornings to the people at the desks I pass on the way to my own. I had a short banter with my co-worker then sat down to do my work. I received a short message from my mum. Today was a “normal” day.
I can’t even begin to imagine how I would react if I was suddenly picked up from my home in the early hours of the morning and taken captive. I can’t imagine what it would be like to have to leave my life behind because of my safety. I have moved several times not only to new cities but to new countries, but it was always a choice. I never had to make the move. I have left my family behind in Europe, but I know they are safe and well. I talk to them multiple times a week. I can not even begin to imagine living a life where I have no idea where my brother is. I may not see him often, but I know he’s well, and safe. We chat a couple of times a week. If I was unable to reach him, I would not sleep or rest until I knew he was safe.
To have to run to a country, with no job, no friends, unable to speak the language and make myself understood would be hard enough, and then to add to that the knowledge that I may never see family and friends again would be so much to bear.
I can not even begin to imagine life as a refugee. Yet, many people live this life. They leave family behind, they are taken captive, they end up in countries and cultures they know nothing about and have to try and make a life for themselves. They are often met with prejudice and distrust from the locals in the areas they move to.
“The ongoing problem of people torn from their homes is something that should, and must, concern us all, in order to find a common solution and bring back life and dignity to the millions suffering.” Bloggers Unite
I read several refugees stories this morning, I didn't want to just copy and paste, but if you'd like to find out more you can go to:
Red Cross
Refugees International
