I WELCOME REFUGEES

Today I was thinking a lot about home. It is my mom's birthday so I called her, I also was texting with my sister and a few of my friends from home. That then led me to go back through my pictures from last year as a YAV and as a newbie in Glasgow. Many of them made me laugh at how many ridiculous things I did with Sam in the flat because we were living simply. Some of them made me remember the many beautiful views and scenic areas of Glasgow and Scotland, and some made me remember the really tough times I had last year and the challenges I still face today. Mostly looking on pictures was really enjoyable and almost like going through a timeline of pictures over the year. As I got to one picture I was inspired to write this blog due to the timing of some political issues facing the United States this past week.

The one picture that really spoke out to me was this one:

This picture was taken at George Square in Glasgow in September 2015 just a week after we had arrived. There was a vigil in the square to remember Syrian refugees. So just a little less than a year and a half ago I was showing my support for refugees in Glasgow. Now more than ever, refugees need our support back home. Seeing this picture today was exactly the type of hope I needed. We kept this sign in our flat all year hanging on the wall. I am not sure if the sign is still in the flat but I do know that I still carry its message with me every day. I am proud to be an American but these past few weeks it has been embarrassing. 

I have had to constantly remind myself that the decisions made by Trump are not views that embody American values. He is a disgrace and his executive orders and the decisions he has made thus far are a disgrace. It hurts my heart, makes me angry, and makes me feel helpless that I cannot do more living here in Glasgow. But just as I was angry and frustrated when Brexit happened and felt hopeless because I was not a British citizen, couldn't vote, and had to see people I worked with each day worried about the effect it might have on their lives. I feel the same feelings now, living in Glasgow detached from the first hand experiences of this past weeks decisions but still seeing it all over the media, and in every conversation. 

So I am reaching out and asking for help. Since I cannot call my senators, I encourage everyone that can call their senators or congressmen and congresswomen to do so. If you can safely and non-violently protest, go protest. And most of all I encourage everyone to show love and kindness to those immigrant and refugee brothers and sisters around us. With solidarity and hope, I believe we can overcome this. 

Blessings, 

Julie