Reflection
My experience in the Netherlands was all about keeping a humble perspective and not allowing my disappointment to be the deciding factor of how I experienced the trip. Leading up to my departure to heading out of the country, I had prepared for the unknowns of the trip in the ways I thought I could. I had told people that I was going to work with refugees and was going to teach poetry with refugees. Instead I was part of a group who went to learning and listening meetings with organizations.
What I learned is that I had a better vision of the Netherlands than I thought, instead of the city, I got the oceanside. I got to be and dance disappointment into opportunity to slow down and see myself and other people. I got a stronger relationship with my professors and new relationships with other participants.
The most important thing that happened was the conversations I had with Aya, our host. She challenged me to use my voice and to be proud of who I am. We talked about family, travel and relationships. She asked me questions and expected a thoughtful answer as she peered into my eyes. I really appreciated that.
The trip was not what I expected but I gained more than I could have thought. God showed me how he could use the confusion and loss of displacement in my own life could be a kinship to the stories many refugees carry.
Ultimately, this journey healed me. On Sunday, I had some people from all over the world pray for me at a church who I may only ever see again in glory. They prayed for stability and a “home church.” What they did not know was that days before, I had written on an art experience at the International Women’s Center, “I’m trying to find my way back home.” This experience showed me that that sentiment rings true in every human experience, no matter how joyful or how battered, we are all stumbling towards home.
My experience in the Netherlands was all about keeping a humble perspective and not allowing my disappointment to be the deciding factor of how I experienced the trip. Leading up to my departure to heading out of the country, I had prepared for the unknowns of the trip in the ways I thought I could. I had told people that I was going to work with refugees and was going to teach poetry with refugees. Instead I was part of a group who went to learning and listening meetings with organizations.
What I learned is that I had a better vision of the Netherlands than I thought, instead of the city, I got the oceanside. I got to be and dance disappointment into opportunity to slow down and see myself and other people. I got a stronger relationship with my professors and new relationships with other participants.
The most important thing that happened was the conversations I had with Aya, our host. She challenged me to use my voice and to be proud of who I am. We talked about family, travel and relationships. She asked me questions and expected a thoughtful answer as she peered into my eyes. I really appreciated that.
The trip was not what I expected but I gained more than I could have thought. God showed me how he could use the confusion and loss of displacement in my own life could be a kinship to the stories many refugees carry.
Ultimately, this journey healed me. On Sunday, I had some people from all over the world pray for me at a church who I may only ever see again in glory. They prayed for stability and a “home church.” What they did not know was that days before, I had written on an art experience at the International Women’s Center, “I’m trying to find my way back home.” This experience showed me that that sentiment rings true in every human experience, no matter how joyful or how battered, we are all stumbling towards home.