Photo by Ahmed akacha on Pexels.com
Tonight I attended an event at the Utah Islamic Center to welcome Afghan refugees to West Jordan, Salt Lake County and Utah. It was a truly touching experience and I am so grateful to the many people of the community who responded with food, clothing, and monetary donations.
I attended because I am part of the West Jordan City Diversity Committee. Brandi Khan, a member of the Islamic community, is also on the West Jordan City Diversity Committee and she invited me to attend the event. I am very interested not just because I want to be welcoming as a member of the Diversity Committee but I also want to find out what needs the refugees have and how I and others in the West Jordan Community can help them.
It brought tears to my eyes to hear the words of welcome spoken by a representative from Governor Cox’s office, Dirk Burton the West Jordan Mayor, and Ken Wallentine, police chief. Chief Wallentine called the Afghan refugees his brothers and sisters.
I got to hold a beautiful little baby while his/her mother got some food. The children are beautiful and I even saw a young boy with bright red hair, not unlike the color mine used to be.
I am so excited to take part and contribute to helping the Afghan refugees find welcome, peace and opportunity in West Jordan, Utah.