Day One: immersion into what it feels like to be a refugee

March 5, 2012

Today, Monday, was day one of learning what we would be doing the rest of the week and taking a tour of where we would be teaching English, but day three of Louisville, Kentucky.

We got things started with a “mock refugee camp,” where all twelve of our lovely group members went to a middle school not too far from where we are staying. We met with the coordinator of Catholic Charities, Chris, in the morning and he gave us a runthrough of the day. Before we left we all piled into the car and a couple of us has to scrape the snow of the windshield of the car. Every sudden stop would come with a clump of snow coming down onto the windshield having to have the wipers come in and brush them off. As we arrived to the middle school, we ran through the slush of snow, with the occasional snow balls flying through the air headed straight for some people trying to dodge them.

Finally when we entered the warm gym, everything was set up. The first thing I saw was a zig- zag of string from side to side that you would see in a Mission Impossible movie with lasers that you cannot touch. This was the “border” that the middle schoolers had to cross without touching the strings or they would have to turn back around and start all over or try and enter the country again. As a refugee, when trying to flee the country many obstacles emerge even before trying to enter the process and paper work.

The next station was the registration table, where they were given a form that they had to fill out in Spanish to show them that refugees had to fill out their information like name, number of people in their family, why they are fleeing, and if they have any health problems, in another language.

The next station was the health station, where they would “test” the children and would diagnose them. Some children had string in their hair to signify they had lice or bandages in their hair. We had some children who had to play the role of someone who was missing limb or was pregnant, to show them how much harder it was for refugees who were in those cases to pass.

The next station was the station I was in, the school table. Here we had to speak to the children in a different language. The only way for them to pass was to say the numbers from 1- 10 in a different language. This was the only way they could go through the next round. There was French, Arabic, Korean, Spanish, and Italian. It is crucial for refugees to learn the country’s language in which they are entering, so they are able to become dependent. Schooling is also important because they are expected to enroll in school or get a job, which usually requires learning a new language.

The next station was the nutrition station, where they would give them food and demonstrates the small food rations refugees receive.

The final station was UNHCR, the last station to approve them into the country, if they did not have all the credentials and paper work they could not enter. Through this whole process they could be rejected and turned down all the way to the end. This was my favorite part of the day, making the children laugh and smile, as they got to take a break from school to come help both themselves and us learn about the process of being a refugee.  

--Angie

A Great Day in "The Greatest City"

Our second day in Louisville brought us to St. Lawrence's Parish, the Muhammad Ali Center, and the Hehir family's house for dinner.  Saint Lawrence Church welcomed us into Louisville with open arms and made us feel at home.  Afterwards, we spent the day at the inspiring Muhammad Ali Center learning about love and service.  As afternoon turned to evening, we drove to the home of fellow Hokies to share a hearty meal.  We grew closer as a group and connected with the beautiful city of Louisville.

The most powerful part of the day was the time spent in the Muhammad Ali Center.  Known for being "The Greatest" as a boxer, Ali lived a life of service and showed his passion for helping others by opening up his center in downtown Louisville.  Our group walked about the center and took away a greater understanding of service for others.  Muhammad Ali was a global citizen with a big heart, which is fitting, as we will be meeting with people from all around the world in the coming days.  Our mission of serving God by serving others was instilled with a new sense of compassion.  With Ali's values in mind, we prepare for our week of service at the Refugee Center.

-- Tom

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"How I see you is really a reflection of how I see myself"

Group Photo at the Muhammad Ali Center (I'm the serious guy with facial hair)

MUSEUM: Cassius Marcellus Clay. Ever heard of him? Probably not. Around the world and more intimately in the boxing community he is now known as Muhammad Ali 'The Greatest'.  Why does a boxer have an entire dedicated to him? And why did we, an ASB group from Virginia Tech, visit a museum dedicated to a boxer?

Muhammad Ali is more than just a boxer.  He is a testament to American values of Confidence, Dedication, Conviction, Respect, Spirituality, Giving, and Humor.  You may see clips from his early twenties when he was a cocky kid from Louisville, Kentucky whose sole purpose was becoming Heavy Weight Champion of the world and speaking in rhyme.  Here is something you may not know: He evaded the draft for the Vietnam war. At first it was because he didn't want to serve but it became a cause for racial equality in the United States.  Why should someone fight for a country that doesn't accept him?  Later on in life, as Tom has mentioned, he dedicated his life to the pursuit of helping others.  Whether it is the racially oppressed or people with Parkinsons, he advocates helping others as a way of serving God.  I'm happy we decided to go as opposed to the dinosaurs.

Earlier: Before we went to the center, I read a book called: "Hello Baby! - Hola Bebe!" by Mem Fox. Apparently I've been known for a Smooth Jazz radio voice, so I read this book in that voice and it was definitely gave some of the people some laughs.  BUT from this we got the group's spirit animals. picture after the break.

---Joe

FINALLY IN LOUISVILLE! 

This morning we finally made our journey down to Louisville, bright and early in the morning. The 7-some-odd hour trip was eventful, lots of music and talking, or naps for some. Finally down at the retreat center, all moved in, we're ready to start this journey doing God's work! 

One of the things that struck me the most on the way down was how much closer we've grown as a group. From the first meeting, trying to remember people's names and awkwardly trying at conversation, to constant laughter and banter wherever we go. Slowly over the course of the last few months, we've learned so much about each other, and it's truly made us stronger as a team. With everyone so comfortable with one another, I feel like it will make any uncertainty or fears seem easily conquerable. 

I for one am so looking forward to Monday, when the adventure will really begin! :) 

-Sandy 

Louisville thoughts by David

On any given day I walk past hundreds of students on Virginia Tech's campus, and apart from a smile or a wave our potentials for interaction are generally not reached. After this trip, 11 people will be taken out of the pool of unknown students and welcomed into the category of "I don't have class until 5, wanna go eat at West End?"

Like a science class structure of marshmallows and toothpicks our group was initially pieced together with relative haste out of the available building materials. But already the marshmallows have grown stale and hard like cement, and if even one was removed the structure's integrity would be compromised. 

I would have thought that enough development time has passed since the invention of the walkie talkie for the sound quality to at least surpass the garbled mess of english that is the drive thru speaker. I was mistaken.

What if Dennys' Pancake Puppies are really just donut holes, and we only ordered them because the name has the word puppies in it?

Today we were welcomed into the home of an extremely generous man whom none of us had ever met. He is a VT alumni, but even more importantly he has a dog. To connect with a man based on a loyalty to a university is fortunate, but to share with him an evening in the presence of his innocent, loyal and unconditionally affectionate animal, at least for me, is truly memorable.

Requesting a stop for bathroom breaks; there must be an easier and more anonymous way.

I never really thought about spending the night in a high school, but now that it's happening I can definitely see the appeal.

the final countdown

It's almost here! In approximately 9 hours, we will be departing for Louisville, KY. We're so excited, and can't wait to start working with Catholic Charities. Please continue to pray for us and the community we will be serving this week, and we will keep you posted on our journey!

In Him,
Kelsey Oesmann

Faith without works...

Tonight all the members of the Newman Community at VT joined together for a last meeting and prayer service before our trips next week. It's always so great to see the community united in a common mission!

In James 2:14-26, it speaks of the uselessness of faith without works. As we gathered in prayer, song, and reflection, we were reminded of the reason we go on these ASB trips.



Imagine it's your birthday. You sit among family and friends, enjoying the celebration. You spot one last gift sitting on the table, and reach out for it. You slowly peel back the colorful wrapping paper, revealing a simple white box inside. You shake it gently, trying to figure out what it contains, but the muffled sound presents no clues.

You carefully lift the lid, peering inside the box to find a bible.

You then put the bible back in the box, replace the lid, and hide the box on a shelf in your bedroom closet, where it sits, forgotten, for years, collecting dust and cobwebs.



Just as we have been given unique gifts and talents, we have all been given the gift of faith. It is our job to put that faith into action. As we all go to our ASB destinations, we will be living out our collective faith, sharing God's love with all those we meet.

As we power through midterm exams, projects, papers, and packing, we remember that our faith is a gift, to always be present in the work we do, wherever we go.

Counting down the days...

Spring break is only four days away! The Newman Community Catholic Campus Ministry at Virginia Tech is so excited to be traveling to Louisville, Kentucky next week as part of the Newman Outreach Project. The twelve members of our group are looking forward to working with Catholic Charities, and growing in faith and community during our ASB experience.

We will be updating this blog regularly during our trip, and invite you to join us on our journey. We thank you for your prayers and support for our mission to spread God's love and live out our faith!

Always the love songs,
Kelsey Oesmann & Ben Shannon