Five different individuals. Five countries of origin. Five unique lives and five unique stories that tell of horror unimaginable, of fear and trauma and displacement - but also a kind of tangible hope that truly reflects the astonishing capacity of the human spirit. However they became a refugee - whether they were targeted because of their ethnicity or because of a war in their country or the instability of moving from camp to camp, refugee stories all do have threads in common - a love and connection to their family and a desire for a safe place to live.
I was truly drawn to these stories and I found myself feeling so deeply. I appreciated that their words were used (or translated) so that I wasn't just getting an overview or summary. I liked that context and background information was included as well as photographs. I think what books like this do is help those of us who have never had to flee our homes or spend years living in a refugee camp get a deeper understanding of the kind of privilege we have. Mostly importantly, it helps us remember that every refugee is a PERSON, not just some existential idea that governments bicker over - he or she is a person with a story and a family who deserves safety and stability just as much as anyone else.
PS - Three cheers for Omaha, Nebraska who opens their doors and their hearts to welcome so many who are looking for a new home
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