We have been really blessed with simple, straightforward arrangements for selling our house in Pennsylvania. Finding housing in Colorado, on the other hand, has proven to be challenging. We thought we had narrowed it down to one house that was the right one for us, but issues popped up during inspection that led to a realization that there were more problems than we and the seller could come to terms on. After considering every house we can find that has potential for rental or ownership, we keep confirming that the options are limited and expensive. We are wrestling a lot with priorities, trying to distinguish our wants from our needs.
Going through this process has added personal perspective on some of the common housing challenges for refugees. For those who, at some point in their past, had to flee their home and their country, the important task of finding secure and affordable housing is far from easy. Without a stable home from which they can look for employment, re-establish relationships, and make connections in their new community, they will never be able to fully integrate and feel settled. They are probably in a foreign culture and climate. The costs of housing are probably high, while they might also be struggling just to meet other basic life needs. And the systems for making good housing arrangements are complicated (e.g., interest on loans, taxes, rules and procedures, establishing a credit history).
During what turned out to be another difficult week for me, I was blessed to hear these encouragements in an email:
The LORD is with me.
When we arrive in Fort Morgan, Colorado, we will have a roof over our heads, even if it means staying with one of my team members for a while.
I have friendly people waiting to welcome me to Fort Morgan.
Can I help refugees and others in difficult housing situations realize some of these blessings?
A theme verse over the past few days has been, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)
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