As our nation continues to struggle through a time of violence and tension, as our cities are turned into the stages of absurdist political theater, and as the communities we serve face increasingly greater threats to their freedom and safety, I continue to be thankful for the opportunity to do work that matters. We do not choose the times we live in, we just have to decide how we are going to live in them.
We are small, but we are mighty. It may not feel like we are doing enough – it never does in times like these – but every refugee family that has a welcoming home to move into, every hour spent learning English and better incorporating into their new country, every drive to a grocery store or doctor’s appointment, every hour spent with kids so parents can learn better health and safety, every opportunity for education and understanding, every dollar raised or warm jacket donated makes a difference. All of it, in ways big and small, is a bulwark against the tide of intolerance, ignorance, and fear. All of it helps to build the country we want to call home.
This too shall pass. It doesn’t feel like it right now, but it never does. We have been through horrible seasons before as a country, and even as an organization, and we’ve gotten through them. So let’s stay focused on doing the work of welcome, the work of support, the work of fighting for the rights of our neighbors and friends. Let’s take care of each other and ourselves. We are in this for the long haul.
With gratitude,
Jason Mack
[email protected]
PS. Oh, and don’t forget to have fun! I am excited to invite you to Open Doors night at the Forward Madison soccer match on October 11. Come, and if we haven’t met, introduce yourself. I’d love to meet you!
PPS. For those of you interested in the latest on the refugee-related court cases, CWS’s State of Play from Monday, Sept. 15, gives a good summary. The TL;DR is that things continue to be stuck, but the prospects aren’t great.