Having a refugee to stay...

We have another refugee staying with us. Sent by Step by Step. The first one, a young man, was sent back to his home country after a year. It was the right thing for him. This time it is a 17 year old girl. She is bright, intelligent, engaging and helpful. She is also bewildered and a bit afraid. She has escaped a repressive regime and a repressive, abusive home life. I am learning a lot about a different country and culture where they do things very differently from here in Europe. She enjoys simple things like walking into town on her own (she is not allowed to do that); she likes the feel of the wind on her face and through her hair (she does not get to feel that where she is from); she likes eating different food and enjoys learning to speak English (and teaching me some of her language and laughing at me!). The challenge has been getting her into some form of education which we now have done. Step by Step have been a good support, always on the end of the phone for help and advice. I am glad we have another refugee to stay. Our lives are richer having her, for however long, and it makes me grateful for so many freedoms we enjoy.