Grace Member Fran Belden shares about her experience preparing an apartment for a new refugee family. Fran is part of the Grace Refugee Team.
I had a new and delightful experience earlier this month I’d like to share: helping arrange furnishings in the home for a refugee family due to arrive later in the day. I knew not a soul when I arrived, but the first to introduce herself was Anne Burris, a relatively new Grace member whom I had never met. What a treat! There were also several International Refugee Committee staff, mission workers from the LDS Church, and several strong and limber college-age volunteers (what a blessing that was).
The apartment contained only a minimum of furnishings, scattered everywhere in packing crates. Our task was to unpack, assemble, put in the proper drawer, room, etc. There were three futons, two lamps, beds for eight people, sheets, towels, kitchen supplies, and kitchen table/chairs. This was accomplished more quickly than one might think, and “kitchen supplies” was defined as one plate, fork, knife, etc. for each person. Everyone was busy and worked hard; there was no question my place was in the kitchen with a few others putting away tableware and plates, etc. Beds, tables, and other big items were left for those who could handle them.
The first night for that new family showed each of them a place to rest, to sleep. Much work and confusion lay ahead in the coming days, but that night they had shelter. And so did I. Thank you, God.
~Fran Belden
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