That's what the initial wave of survivors of the Gatumba massacre did when they boarded planes bound for the United States today , as news24.com reports. All of this is due to the work of the UNHCR (the UN's High Commission for Refugees) and the US government. This first group includes some 35 refugees but, in total, 500 could benefit from claiming refugee status in the United States. The UNHCR wants to make sure that once these refugees make it to the States they all have a chance for a productive life. This is why, pre-departure, all took part in "basic Enlgish training." Further, efforts have been coordinated in cities where refugees are headed in terms of acclamation to daily life. Over the course of the next few weeks, until April's end, up to 100 will fly to the US each week until all are safely on US soil.
I find this news incredibly exciting and a very definite step in the right direction. Having been subject to a horrible tragedy in which upwards of 150 died the least that can be done for those who survived is to help make a better life possible. In the United States I hope that the refugees will be able to have more than just their basic needs met. I hope that they will be able to benefit from an environment in which their safety is assured and not under constant doubt. I hope, too, that they will become inspired by living in a democracy and one day be able to return to their homes. You see, this will not be the first move for these people, as those in Gatumba were already refugees from DRC at the time of the massacre. DRC is certainly not without its problems; nor is Burundi, for that matter. However, where deep damage and hurt have been done there is also room for immense healing and rebuilding. For those refugees making their way to the United States as spring approaches and the earth is renewed I hope that their faith will be renewed and that they will one day be able to return home, if they so choose, to bring that same hope back to their fellow citizens.
I find this news incredibly exciting and a very definite step in the right direction. Having been subject to a horrible tragedy in which upwards of 150 died the least that can be done for those who survived is to help make a better life possible. In the United States I hope that the refugees will be able to have more than just their basic needs met. I hope that they will be able to benefit from an environment in which their safety is assured and not under constant doubt. I hope, too, that they will become inspired by living in a democracy and one day be able to return to their homes. You see, this will not be the first move for these people, as those in Gatumba were already refugees from DRC at the time of the massacre. DRC is certainly not without its problems; nor is Burundi, for that matter. However, where deep damage and hurt have been done there is also room for immense healing and rebuilding. For those refugees making their way to the United States as spring approaches and the earth is renewed I hope that their faith will be renewed and that they will one day be able to return home, if they so choose, to bring that same hope back to their fellow citizens.
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