Throughout my life, as a teenager and now an adult, I have been drawn to help those in need. To give a voice to the voiceless. I carry this principle in all aspects of my life in work and personal relationships. It doesn't come from a place of grandeur, but rather a raw feeling in my heart that being here on God's earth as a human, I must help my fellow brother or sister. 

Writing about it is an out of body experience for me; I have never really thought about putting words down...helping anyone is like breathing to me. In times of hardship and despair, which seems we are experiencing a lot of lately with the political climate, my drive, fire, feeling in my heart to help those in need is palpable. 

In joining GenR, I always wondered what my opportunities for helping would be. To be asked to help interpret for a refugee family for an evening was an honor and an experience I will carry with me forever. I have been following the crisis in Syria since the beginning, seeing the start of the refugee crisis in Istanbul on my trip there with a dear friend. From the beginning, I have supported refugee resettlement in the US. I believed in the process and the value of our great nation helping those who need it most. To see the Jawish family this week smiling, grateful, hopeful, and forward looking was amazing. I can only wish them the very best and say welcome home. 

On Monday a clear face to the Syrian refugees was put into perspective. Monday is when my desire to do even more was sparked. Monday was when I wanted this great country to stand for those in need. Monday was the day I wanted our leaders to do more. Monday was the day I wanted our leaders to educate themselves on the face of the refugees and have the courage to meet them face to face. Monday was the day that with absolute certainty, I knew I would always stand with refugees.

Written by: GenR: Dallas member, Hala Sheta

ALT TEXT
GenR: Dallas meets Syrian family
Photo: Michele Villarreal