{Edited to add: The Sudanese Community & Women’s Center has been renamed since the writing of this post. Their new name is Nashville International Center for Empowerment – or NICE.}
I have become increasingly aware of the number of refugees in Nashville and the difficulties they face in transitioning into American culture. After watching God Grew Tired of Us, I felt moved to do something to help, even if it was small (if you haven’t watched that documentary, you really should!). Since then I’ve been praying that God would show me where to go and who to partner with.
After hearing about it from a friend and looking at their website, I decided to stop by the Sudanese Community & Women’s Center yesterday to check out the place and find out what help is needed there. When I walked in, I was met by Idah, a beautiful and super sweet lady from Kenya. After completing a volunteer application, she showed me around the building. There were three ESL classes being conducted, and the little rooms were packed.
I explained that I had been made more aware of how hard it is for refugees to adjust once they arrive in America, that we’re adopting from Ethiopia, and that my heart has become connected to East Africa. She asked if I could teach ESL. I told her that I’d never been formally trained, but that I’d be willing to try.
I’m really excited about this opportunity. I’ve been frustrated about our adoption wait, and the other day I realized that I don’t need to just sit around and wait for the adoption ball to get rolling again. There are things here and now that I can do.
The need at the SCWC is great. Their little building is busting at the seams, and there are more than enough people that need assistance. The Executive Director, Gatluak Thach (seen in the video above), seems like an incredibly humble man, and his story is inspiring and amazing. I had the privilege of meeting him yesterday. If you’d like to hear more about his story, I would encourage you to do so HERE.
I’ll keep you posted on my experiences volunteering there . . . can’t wait!
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