Halima sits on the small stool in front of the gas stove and stares at the dancing gas flame. Today, once again, there is only rice with a little dhal (lentils) to eat. It has been a while since her …
Choosing Compassion
"If you want my advice, we need to find people who won't break so easily," my Muslim Rohingya friend and colleague shared with me. We recently discovered that another Rohingya colleague had betrayed …
She’s a Refugee
Hafiza was only 2 and a half years old when I first met her. Sitting on the rough floor of the shelter in camp where she was born, she is oblivious that she is a refugee. Secure in the love of her …
Sharing Each Other’s Burdens
Somina weeps as she recalls the nine years she spent in jail in Thailand. Now resettled to a safe country, the trauma she suffered for so long was tangible as she spoke. Somina had been intercepted …
God is Not Stingy
"Lift up your heads, O gates! And be lifted up, O ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Who is this King of glory? The Lord, strong & mighty, the Lord, mighty in battle! Who is this …
Imagining Heaven
Nura is 48. She can most often be found playing with her granddaughter while chewing betelnut or trying to nap. Her curries are delicious but spicy enough to cause some lasting discomfort. When I …