Lots of Americans think immigrants and refugees are, basically, the same. Not true.

If you look up the definitions, you will see that an immigrant is defined as “a person who migrates to another country, usually for permanent residence.”

For most of us, our ancestors were all immigrants.

On the other hand, a refugee is defined as “a person who flees for refuge or safety, especially to a foreign country, as in time of political upheaval, war, etc.”

Refugees have not left their homes behind because they thought crossing an ocean would be an adventure or because they want a better job. They want to live. They want their children to live.

They don’t have any other choice. And they didn’t come right away. Many lived in refugee camps before finally being vetted and arriving in the United States.

According to the website for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (the UN Refugee Agency), “the average length of time that refugees spend in camps varies depending on the crisis. In protracted refugee situations – where mass displacement has affected a country for five years or more, refugees may spend years and even decades living in camps and it is common to have entire generations growing up in the camps.”

I know that for a fact. I have spoken with SHIM clients who spent some 20 years in refugee camps. Most of us can’t even imagine that. I suspect many of us would simply want to give up. But they have children. And dreams. And a work ethic. And much to offer. And they are loved by God.

So, the Westminster Refugee Resettlement Team hopes you will stay with us – and maybe even join us – on the journey to helping a family that had no choice. Had no options. Had no miracle. Until Westminster reached out. May we help to bless them as we have been blessed.

– Carolyn Kerr