Uprooted Again
It all began with the garden. It was spring and time to plant. Alamnseh eagerly shared her plans for the garden beds outside, listing the vegetables she wanted to grow.
But I knew something she didn’t – she was going to move before summer was over. Who wants to sow seeds when you won’t be there to reap the harvest?
A church partner was making changes, including selling the property we rented for the women’s Jonathan House. The residents all needed to move.
The church softened the blow, however, by offering us another home they owned. When I broke the news to her, she smiled. She knew the house and liked it. It was larger, newer, and just a stone’s throw away. Best of all, it had a spacious backyard with a large garden plot.
Working Side by Side
The church wanted to make the new house welcoming, so they undertook some remodeling projects. The timing was perfect.
Moving day coincided with the arrival of a church volunteer team – comprised in part by several strong teenage boys – coming all the way from Oklahoma. On the day of the July Jonathan House Community Meal, we gathered, shared food, then got to work. Despite the relatively mild summer day, the lifting, carrying, and constant movement left us all with sweat-soaked shirts.
We embodied the saying, “many hands make light work.” Jonathan House residents, staff, and volunteers worked side by side, quickly completing the move. This experience highlighted the value of partnership at Jonathan House. We seek resources beyond our own, collaborating with churches, local groups, and displaced people in our community.
Partnering to Thrive
The minor disruption of this move pales in comparison to the larger story of forced displacement and transition that Jonathan House residents face. By partnering effectively, we can achieve our goal to be a community of shelter, hope, and healing where Asylum Seekers and Americans thrive together.
Moving day culminated with a prayer circle in the living room. Now everyone is settled, adjusting to the new space, and Alamnseh is reaping a harvest from the garden.
Story by Josh Levin, Jonathan House Program Manager
Sow seeds of hope and healing through prayer
Below are prayer points to get you started. Then subscribe to receive the Jonathan House Beyond Shelter newsletter. Get stories of hope and prayer opportunities straight to your inbox!
– A family took a big step toward long-term stability, finding their own housing and leaving Jonathan House. Pray for them as they adjust and continue rebuilding their lives.
– Asylum seekers work hard to rebuild their lives, but without achieving asylum status it’s like planting seeds in a garden that you’re not around to harvest later. May God grant them favor to win their cases and gain permanent refuge in this country.