They walk through the door, and we welcome them.

We also need to take them where they are.

This is where they are:

They have just left their home country.

They have just walked days without food or water.

They have just left the fear that a soldier might kill them or someone they love.

They have just left a place where they witnessed a loved one die.

They have just left a place where school was not in session because of war.

They have just left a place where they couldn’t be outside alone.

They have just left a place where soldiers raped and terrorized them.

They have just left terror and death.

Lincoln Public Schools has recently experienced high numbers of new refugees from the Middle East. These families are coming from horrible situations and are now trying to adjust to life in the United States. There are many children who have not been in school or who have not been able to experience any sense of normalcy.

These families have been granted refugee status and have been given an opportunity to live their lives in safety and with freedom in Lincoln, Nebraska. We are fortunate in Lincoln to have quality housing, good employment opportunities, and an excellent school system.

So, how do we respond?

*It isn’t perfect timing, they’ve missed some of our instruction…..we take them where they are and we welcome them.

*Our classes are already full and we have everything in place……we take them where they are and we welcome them.

*I’m not sure how to communicate with them…. we SMILE and take them where they are and welcome them!