Tonight as we were waiting to learn if my country was going to act on the genocidal threats of our president, I volunteered outside Delaney Hall providing support to families detained by my country under the same president’s inhumane immigration policies.
Six men and one woman were released this afternoon. Everyone in the hospitality tent clapped when a husband and wife were reunited. We consoled a crying wife and mother who has lost hope that her husband will be released. We distributed diapers to moms and coaxed shy children into picking out a toy to take home. Other volunteers grilled hot dogs and handed out empanadas and donated food and grocery gift cards. Good people helping good people in dark times.
All in all a mixed up day in a crazy world in times I could not have imagined. Yet I am choosing to be on the side of goodness. I resist evil. I say NO to the cruelty done in our name.
We heard about the cease fire while we were still helping folks in the hospitality tent. And then some more folks came out after their visit and we provided emotional and practical support
When I came home I read this from Pope Leo: “”Today, as we all know, there was this threat against the entire people of Iran, and this is truly unacceptable … People want peace. I would invite the citizens of all the countries involved to contact the authorities — political leaders, congressmen — to ask them to work for peace.”
I have written my members of Congress.
Tomorrow is another day, a day to pray and act for peace through justice. I choose love. Always. Everywhere. This is the way. Love one another.