Kathy and I had the privilege to serve in a refugee camp on the Panamanian border. The camp has several hundred Africans and some Pakistanis who are stuck in the camp due to issues with the Nicaraguan government letting them pass through their country. We spent time hearing the stories of their journey through the Amazon rainforest and being robbed by the mafia in Columbia. These were men looking for a safe place for their families. They risked it all to find a place that is safe and secure. Some told us stories of walking through the jungle with a compass simply pointing them north. They spent days walking through swamps with water up to their chests.
An incredibly dangerous journey.
They shared the struggles back home and the reasons why they left on this journey. Stories of killings and brutality. Corruption and political struggles.
As I sat and listened I realized that the conditions back home were so bad and dangerous that it was actually better for them to risk traveling through the jungle with the hope of finding home. This is not a story about money. This is about safety for their families. Searching for a place where they can live without fear. They were searching for home.
They are risking their lives to help provide a safe place for their families.
There is no guarantee that they will make it.
Yet, they will put it all on the line for a chance to make it to the U.S.
How about you?
The U.S. certainly has its problems, but we have justice and peace. The Pakistanis knew it. They knew that the U.S. was a good place. A place with good and caring people. A safe place with opportunity.
So as we as a country discuss “walling off” our country in I can’t forget about the faces of these people. They are risking their lives to find something better for their families. They will continue to point their compass north. They will continue to struggle to find safety. Something we take for granted. A place where they can sleep at night without worry. A place of peace and security.
The march will continue. Heading north. Searching for home.
Leading by Serving 
2 responses to “Searching for Home”
What an incredible journey! This is a great reminder of how I often take my daily essentials for granted. You’re really gaining a profound perspective of the world, which is so foreign to us. Thanks for sharing, Joe!
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Thanks Jess! Hard to fault anyone looking for safety and security for their families! It’s been a real eye opener for me! Thanks for your insight and support!
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