I am sure you have all been reading and hearing on the news lately about Syrian refugees fleeing into Europe, looking for a new home. It is hard to imagine what it is like to suddenly have to leave your home because it is in the middle of a war or conflict, and to leave for what could be forever and with very little in the way of belongings.
Home is a place we normally think of as our refuge, our place where our things are and a place of comfort and family. Home is also a place of neighbors, neighborhoods and community. A place where they know your name, as they say.
With the stories we hear and see on the news it seems we see only glimpses of what is happening. I read this NPR story of Monzer Omar – one mans journey from Syria to Germany. I thought it was worth sharing. The dangers, the lawlessness and the conditions are all things we need to be more aware of as we hear about the conflict.
Read the National Public Radio story about Monzer Omar, a Syrian refugee HERE.
This is a good reminder of how lucky and blessed we are to be living in Stillwaters Estates, and in the United States where this is not a part of our lives. It is also a reminder to see these stories as affecting individuals and families like us, not just unknown peoples. I know I will continue to think of Monzer’s journey and keep this in mind as we see this flood of refugees continue.
Quote of the Week:
A little bit of mercy makes the world less cold and more just. – Pope Francis
Happenings this week:
Thursday, September 24th: Potluck night at Stillwaters Estates. Dinner starts at 6 p.m. so bring your favorite dish to share. Fall is here so I am expecting to see a pumpkin pie or two soon!
Saturday is a busy day….
Saturday, September 26th: It’s a Free Day at Washington State Parks on Saturday, September 26. This free day is in recognition of the 22nd anniversary of national Park Lands Day, the nation’s largest single-day volunteer effort for public lands. No Discover Passes will be needed on September 26th for day-use visitors.
Saturday, September 26th: The Healthier Together Wellness event will be held on Saturday (replaces the Wellness Roundup from previous years), September 26th, from 8am-11am, at the south lawn behind Providence Centralia Hospital, on Scheuber Road. Along with a 5K fun run and walk, the event will offer samples of healthy foods, and lots of advice and information on how to live a healthier life.
Saturday, September 26th: The Fall Community Garage Sale will be held on Saturday, September 26th from 9am-4pm at the Southwest Washington Fairgrounds. Admission is $1. Early bird shoppers can enter the fairgrounds at 8am for $5. For more information, call the fairgrounds at 740-1495.
Saturday, September 26th: The WSU Lewis County Extension Master Gardener Program is offering a free workshop this Saturday, from 9am-2:15pm atWashington Hall at Centralia College. Gardening for Everyone will cover a variety of topics including lawn care, irrigation, spring weeds, native plants and more. For information, call 360-740-1216.
Weather: Fall is here at last! The evenings are shorter and chillier and the mornings crisp – time for a pot of soup and curling up with a good book. This weekend is supposed to be mostly sunny so plan to get out and enjoy the crisp fall weather.
