contrasts

Many of us gathered to celebrate Consolata's birthday and to welcome her and her family (again) to this area. I met Florence who is originally from Kenya. Her native language is Swahili and since Sheba and Consolata speak Swahili in addition to Kirundi - we were able to better communicate with them this evening! Beautiful experience. Pajero said the strangest (to him) thing he saw upon arrival in the U.S. were multilevel buildings. Sheba said the most startling thing was to see so many people waiting to greet them when they arrived at the airport.

I've always been intrigued by contrasts - whether it be in textures of materials, color or sound.
As I get to know Consolata's family, I am acutely aware of the difference of their lives in refugee camps in Tanzania and our lives in the U.S..

What is beautiful is to also notice the similarities within the contrasts.

Dichotomy: if we had received our referral or were about to right now, I would likely not be involved with this Burundian family - and though I may not have known any better then, now that I do - to have missed out on this would just be sad!!