Empathy

Yesterday, we thought there would be no refugees in our camp until next week sometime. Today during our meeting, our group was informed that UNHCR had received a list of 31 names that are currently en route to our  the ETC.

The changes seem to occur so rapidly, especially given the current climate of the countries experiencing conflict. I can only imagine how unsettling this must be for those traveling as refugees. To not know where you are going, to not understand how you will get there until just before the change happens if at all, would be beyond stressful.

Yet, this is the life experience refugees gain in transit. We spoke today of empathy and how it is critical to have this quality when working with the UN. I feel that this trait is often lacking in my home country of America. Perhaps we can all try a little harder to put ourselves in the shoes of others as we tread through life.