Despite all odds, individuals I know from various aspects of my life had stepped up to assist, to provide comfort, and most of all - to offer HOPE.
I thank you.
I thank you for all that you do.
I thank you for being you.
I thank you for creating a future that we are all living into with pride, peace and safety.
We declare November 23, 2013 - a global day of solidarity and awareness for the Philippines, and our people who are suffering in the wake of recent natural disasters. Events and fundraisers are currently being organized in Manila, Cebu, Davao, London, Melbourne, San Francisco, NYC, Paris, and New Zealand.
Check out the coalition: http://bayanihan.kayaco.org/
Please see link: https://www.facebook.com/events/192687120918753/permalink/192912147562917/
If you prefer to donate to an organization, I recommend the International Rescue Committee. Being one of the IRC's advisory council member in the Seattle chapter for the past several years to increase awareness on refugee issues and access to services, I highly recommend this organization.
Please see link https://www.rescue.org/donate/typhoon-haiyan.
And as we address the primary needs (food, water and lodging) of the people affected by typhoon, we will actively participate on efforts focused on the secondary and tertiary level for prevention (decrease the impact of global warming) and preparedness (create effective evacuation sites, etc.). As such, I call on experts on global climate change and infrastructure building to message me and we can form a team.
What happened in the Philippines can easily occur in other parts of the world --- and must be addressed both in policy making and grass roots implementation.
With immense gratitude, thank you for your commitment and innovative ideas on how we can transform the future of humanity.
For the first time in his life, Dal Diyali will be a citizen of a country.
He speaks with pride and excitement about his preparations to apply for United States citizenship and to take the official citizenship test. “It will be the first time I officially will be able to call a country my own,” he explains.
Ethnically Nepali Bhutanese residents can apply for legal citizenship at age eighteen, but Dal fled Bhutan when he was fourteen, so he has never held citizenship. After his escape from Bhutan, he lived in UNHCR-managed refugee camps in eastern Nepal.
The gift of community is truly an honor and privilege to experience.
Our successful 2012 Home Away from Home celebration was held at Mien Evangelical Church and Pastor Peter Acharya graciously offered their space to host our event. In our 5th year, we had the most number of refugees and immigrants who attended our thanksgiving feast! We welcomed new faces and celebrated the return of lifelong friends and family. Our community is growing and we all look forward to its continued expansion for years to come!
Special shout out to Chi for creating an amazing video of our event photos! And thank you to Mama, Papa, Dru, Edgar, Jane, Dea, Joseph, Amy, Dindo, Linda, Andy, David, Mitra, Carmel, Anne, Jeremy, Sheila, Cecille, Gensho, Christie, Anjali and new friends Michael, Nataliya, Veena, Esther, Sandrine and Thomas :) The realization of this year's Home Away from Home was all of your doing.
As we powerfully complete year 2012, I'll part with these words of wisdom ...
"No great thing is created suddenly.
There must be time.
Give your best and always be kind."
- Epictetus
May YOU and EVERYONE around you create an amazing and extraordinary experience of life.
Call me at 206-349-1040 or email me at mercy.laurino@gmail.com so we can coordinate potluck dishes :) And thank you for choosing to spend time with us!
As we celebrate Thanksgiving 2011, let us all take a moment and give grace to all of the experiences we each had this year. We live ... We learn ... We question ... We acknowledge ... We appreciate ... and We give thanks. I deeply thank each and everyone of you for being part of my life. Thank you for your listening and being a source of my support as I continue to create how I want to contribute to humanity.
This year, I attended the American Public Health Association meeting in Washington DC. I went to several talks on refugee awareness, their rights (or lack thereof), and the obstacles they are facing as they resettle in countries like the United States. Indeed, it is very humbling to live in a country where we do have the foundation of freedom and starting anew. While acknowledging the various groups of people who continue to advocate for equal rights, the fact of being in this country provides the space for voices to be expressed and the opportunity to be heard.
During one of the afternoons in DC, I decided to take a walk and visit the new MLK memorial. Etched on the marble wall, I'd like to share with you one of Dr. King's quotes as it tremendously inspired me.
"Darkness cannot drive out darkness. Only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate. Only love can do that." ~ MLK
May you and everyone around you have an amazing LOVE-filled thanksgiving.
Hugs and Smiles,
Mercy
P.S. Please send your thanksgiving photos for the tribute collage.
Rebuilding Lives: Images from Rebuilding Lives: Seattle Annual Dinner held at Four Seasons Hotel on October 26, 2011. In celebration of the IRC’s work globally and locally, the event featured moving presentations by former refugees from all parts of the world, as well as other IRC supporters. The dinner was hosted by long-time IRC advocate, Scott Pelley, who is the Anchor and Managing Editor of CBS Evening News and a member of the IRC’s Board of Directors.
Celebrations are happening everywhere in 2011!!! We are accepting photos, short video clips, and testimonials to inspire all of us for having the gift of life. Please email your submissions to global.homeafhome@gmail.com and we will gladly post it to share :)
Special shout out to the Seattle Chapter: "We are re-organizing our thanksgiving celebration this year. Please check the Event link so you can attend the festivities of your choosing AND please share photos and/or videos.
Save the date Nov 17, 2012 (11am to 2pm; place: to be determined):
Home Away From Home potluck thanksgiving event is going to be an awesome multicultural showcase of traditional dances from all over the world. If you know of any dance group who would like to perform, please let us know!
Home Away From Home celebrated its third year thanksgiving tradition in welcoming newly arrived refugees and immigrants to our community this past Saturday. There were over 100 attendees celebrating, giving thanks and sharing stories. Special thanks to Matt Sanford (opening song), Eliana, Emma Jane, Mary, Justin, Orlando and the Bhutanese dancers for their wonderful performances. Yi-cheng, our master of ceremonies, gracefully entertained us throughout the whole event. We had two yummy turkeys, my mom's famous eggrolls, and lots of homemade goodies. Again, we are truly grateful for the Blessed Sacrament Parrish in allowing us to hold this wonderful event for free ;) Also, thank you Orlando for inviting the Home Away From Home attendees and the refugees resettled by the International Rescue Committee to watch the Christmas Carol-Musical for free at 5th Avenue theater!
Words cannot fully express how grateful I am to family and friends with their generosity and support. You made this event a huge success and the difference has been made. Special thanks to Elijah! And may we continue to forward Linda Golley's request to smile and welcome each other as we celebrate 2010 Thanksgiving week and the years to come.
Enjoy the Photos from the Event :) Happy THANKSGIVING !!!
For the first time in his life, Dal Diyali will be a citizen of a country.
