America and the American People

As many folks know nearly a decade ago (see earlier posts) I was honored to be able to be involved in blanket and coat drives that helped collect and distribute more than 100 tons of materiel in the refugee camps and communities where refugees from Syria were living due to the atrocities by the Assad regime. I was pleased to be able to personally help distribute these invaluable items.

Through it all (the years and distance) I have been able to stay in touch with a teacher from Syria who I met in a refugee camp in Adana, Turkey. When one questions America being a force for good or that of the generosity of the American people, I wanted to share the message I received from my friend yesterday.

“Thank you very much, dear Robert. The past days felt like a dream as we finally returned to our villages. Though they are destroyed, we are determined to rebuild them. We are no longer refugees or internally displaced persons. We no longer need food kits from the UN — we are capable of providing food to the world. Syria is now celebrating — every city, every village, and every individual. Together, we will build a free and democratic country where humanity and the true value of every person are upheld. Thanks to all nations who helped us during our atrocities and all thanks to the US and the American people.”

I am hopeful the Syrian people will help establish a new government that will be respectful of all its people. Much is uncertain.