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From The Desk Of Heidi Moll Schoedel ...
"You didn't know us. We were strangers. But you welcomed us like friends or family." Gabriel from Burundi
Dear Friends:
Sometimes we take welcomes for granted. A greeting can seem perfunctory, merely something that needs to be said rather than a heartfelt expression of feelings.
That's not how it is when Exodus volunteers greet refugees who are weary after a long flight and bewildered facing adjustment to a new land and culture. These greeters understand the need for sincerity and genuine concern.
For refugees stepping into a new way of life, knowing they are welcome and that someone really cares is of utmost importance. We were reminded of this recently by Gabriel, a Burundi refugee who arrived in the United States with his wife and three young children.
"Thank you so much for welcoming us," Gabriel said to the Exodus volunteers there to meet him. "We never imagined this would be our experience coming to America. You didn't know us. We were strangers. But you welcomed us like friends or family. I urge you to welcome more refugees in the future. They really need it and appreciate it."
You make welcomes like this one possible through your involvement with Exodus World Service. Thank you!
With appreciation,
Heidi Moll Schoedel
Executive Director
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