Seeds Will Grow

Today: 3.6 mi / 5.8 km
June Total: 78.6 mi / 126.5 km

Earlier in the week, I rerouted my walk to go by the grocery store. Although very grateful and never taking for granted my access to food, I was feeling weary after a long day as I toted my groceries home. I rounded a corner and came face to face with a former student. When last I saw him, he was an elementary student. Although I initially didn’t recognize the tall, young man approaching me on the sidewalk, when he smiled, I immediately recognized who he was–and I was flooded with fond memories of our classes together. We exchanged warm greetings and went on our way. Seeing an unexpected, familiar face, and finding him healthy and well did something to buoy my spirit. I continued my journey, smiling.

How many Sudanese communities have been disrupted and scattered? When they meet again, years later, how many will recognize each other immediately? How many of their bodies will have changed beyond recognition? How will their hearts be warmed to see familiar smiles? How will their hearts ache for those they cannot meet again?

---

Today’s artwork comes from a 12 year old girl from El-Fasher, Sudan–yes, THAT El-Fasher (shared with permission):

“This is our school. I used to play with my friends in the school compound.
The school was only for girls. I was in class 5. I loved being there.

I miss my friends. Najwa and Hawa. I don’t know where they are now. I hope they are alive.

Now I’m just here in Zamzam camp. There is no school here. I feel lonely. I feel so sad.

I wish I could go back. I wish I could see my friends again.”

---

Each day in June, I’m walking in solidarity with Sudanese refugees. My goal is to walk 3.1 mi / 5 km per day to raise $4,000 USD this month. We still need to raise $2,677 by the end of June.

All donations will go to Trauma Rescue Aid’s food distribution program for the more than 700 Sudanese refugee families they serve. Let me know your pledge in the comments below or make your donation today:

Gofundme: gofundme.com/traid2024
PayPal: tinyurl.com/traid2024
Venmo @ TRAID2024
Korean Won: tinyurl.com/traid25

If you cannot give, could you like, comment, share this fundraiser, or walk to help us raise awareness? Thank you for your solidarity!

---