What would you take? It’s a question most of us have never really entertained, nor have we had to seriously think about it. Lately, when I read stories about a refugee’s experience or watch educational videos on this topic, I’ve found myself thinking this question, “What would I take?”. If danger was at my doorstep and I had to flee in less than 10 minutes, what would I take?
Side note: I am a chronic over-packer. Really, send me somewhere for less than 48 hours and I will leave the house with at least two bags packed to the brim, in addition to my giant purse and 2-3 beverages (and that’s just in the summer! If it’s sweatshirt weather, you might as well add an extra bag for warm clothing and multiple pairs of boots). I over pack because I always want to be prepared for thirty scenarios that usually don’t ever occur. I am always thinking, “what if I need ______?”
But a refugee who needs to travel many miles (often on foot) doesn’t have the luxury of over packing; of being prepared for thirty scenarios; of taking multiple drinks with them. A refugee who needs to flee danger at a moment’s notice doesn’t have the luxury of sitting around and thinking, “what if I need ______?” Reflecting on this realization morphed into the decision that I would try to put myself in the shoes of the individuals that I work with; those who have truly had to flee. But how? After a twenty-minute discussion with my fiancé, Aaron, we landed in agreement. I would get two minutes to grab as many items as I could fit into a small hiking backpack. When the time was up, I would have to freeze wherever I was and I would be stuck with whatever items I had chosen at that time. I would only get one chance at this, so I had better pack well! (Anticipating a struggle, I tried to negotiate 3-5 minutes to choose my items and also the ability to repeat the experiment 3 times. My objective fiancé, who would also be timing me, pointed out that this wasn’t realistic. A refugee doesn’t have extra time and they don’t get to re-pack if they forget an item).
Of course, the experience of every single refugee is unique. Even each member of a family traveling together experiences life, persecution, fear, danger and the act of fleeing as a refugee, much differently. In addition, while this experience was challenging for me, I am fully aware that it doesn’t measure up to the true experience of someone having to flee their country. I felt it was important to acknowledge these things when writing about my experience.
So, moving on to my experiment: (Below is a list of items that I grabbed, in order. After I list each item, I italicize my thoughts while choosing each item).
Ready….set….go! The two-minute timer started. Heart and mind both racing, I ran into my room, straight into the closet where I keep my backpack - on a top shelf. Being that I am short and didn’t want to waste any of my two minutes going to get my stool, I jumped up and down until my fingertips reached one of the backpack straps and I was able to pull my small backpack down.
The first item I grabbed was a thin sweatshirt – I am always cold and who knows what kind of weather I will encounter, but a heavier duty sweatshirt will take up too much room.
The second item I grabbed was a pair of sandals – I will need shoes and these are fairly study/supportive. I don’t remember where I put my sneakers right now.
The third item I grabbed was a pair of thick hiking socks – If my feet get cold these can provide warmth. They may also help keep my feet safe as I don’t have sneakers.
The fourth item I grabbed was a thin blanket – I will need this for warmth while I sleep. I wish I could bring a thicker one but it won’t fit in my backpack.
After the fourth item I started to panic a little bit. I was trying to remember all of the important items I would need but all I could think about was how much time I had left (Aaron was timing me so I had no idea how much time had passed or what remained) so I began grabbing things that were in plain sight.
The fifth item I grabbed was a headband – This is the first thing that caught my eye, maybe I can keep my hair out of my face.
The sixth item I grabbed was my glasses – I am glad these caught my eye too because I would never be able to see without them!
The seventh item I grabbed was a mini flashlight – This is small and won’t take up much room, I’m sure it will come in handy in the dark. Although I don’t have extra batteries…
The eighth item I grabbed was my water bottle – I can refill this with water along the way. It’s kind of bulky but I may find another use for it too.
The ninth item I grabbed was a framed picture of my family – I don’t know if or when I’ll see them again so it will be nice to have this. I should take the photo out of the frame to save space but I don’t have time so I’ll just take the whole thing.
The tenth item I grabbed was my medicine – I get terrible acid reflux without this so I definitely need it. I wonder what I’ll do when it runs out?
After item ten I figure time must really be running out. What else do I need? I am running out of room in my backpack and I am positive that I’m forgetting things….
The eleventh item I grabbed was my expired passport – This is probably a good item to have because my picture is in it. Never mind that it’s expired, I don’t have time to deal with that.
The twelfth item I grabbed was a pen – I can’t believe I didn’t think of this earlier! What if I need to write down an address, phone number or some other piece of important information? Now I better find some paper….
TIME’S UP.
I promise you I am not exaggerating. I really did run out of time before I was able to find a notebook or any paper at all. I realize this may not seem significant, but it stuck with me. I ran out of time while searching for something that I felt was really important, and that bothered me. I just couldn’t shake it. Imagine all of the things that those who have fled have left behind because they didn’t have time to look for them, imagine all of the people they’ve left behind for this same reason.
After the experiment, I also sat down and made a list of the items I wished I had brought along. With the pressure off I was able to think of too many items I wished I would have remembered. Some of them listed below:
-A notebook or paper
-Any money/my wallet/my ID
-Better shoes (hiking shoes or sneakers)
-Chapstick
-A Book
-A heavier sweatshirt or coat/raincoat
-A heavier blanket
-Medicine for headaches/other pain
I recognize the privilege that I have, to be able to experiment this process and not actually have to live it. I recognize the privilege that I have, to be able to list off things I wish I would have packed in my bag but not actually have to leave them behind. This may seem like a silly, insignificant experiment to many, but for me it had both purpose and impact.
1. One of the key steps in speaking out against injustice is to recognize that it exists even though I don’t live it
It is easy to ignore injustice, pain and danger when it isn’t knocking on your door. It is typical for us to say and to think, “That will never happen to my family”, “That won’t ever happen to me” and then to push the thoughts out of our mind, pretend they aren’t real. But just because something isn’t happening to me, doesn’t mean it isn’t happening to any of God’s beloved children.
2.One of the best ways to understand how to speak out against injustice is to really try to feel it and sit in it.
Though I recognize that my experiment was surface-level, it did allow me to reflect on what this experience could be like. Rather than looking the other way, ignoring, or running from this reality I attempted to accept it and place myself in it. It also allowed me to note my privilege, which leads me to my last point;
3.Recognizing that I have the privilege that allows me to not have to face these experiences in real life means recognizing that I have been blessed with much and therefore, need to give of myself to others.
Luke 12:48 says “From everyone to whom much has been given, much will be required; and from the one to whom much has been entrusted, even more will be demanded”. While it is common for us to ignore injustice and pain that we don’t experience ourselves, basking in our privilege and thinking, “Thank God it’s not me”, Luke 12:48 expects the opposite of us. This verse tells us that if we are blessed, it is our responsibility to give more and do more. I have been blessed to live in a safe and stable environment, without daily fear for my life. I don’t deserve these things; they have just been given to me. Therefore, God expects me to give of myself, my belongings and my words in His name, for those who don’t have my privilege. I believe this is true for all of us.
So, What would you take with you? And how will you use that reflection to live out Luke 12:48? I encourage you to attempt this experiment, or create one of your own. Instead of running from this reality, face it head on, with your Creator beside you and vow to make a difference however He calls you to do so.
Please pray with me, Lord, thank you for this day. Thank you for all of the ways you have blessed me in my life and all of the ways you continue to bless me. I recognize that I have been given and entrusted so very much, not because I deserve these blessings but because you love me and are inviting me to live out your will for the world, and for that I am forever grateful. I also recognize that you are asking me to give back to the world what you have given me. I know that I cannot pretend injustice doesn’t exist because you are calling me to fight against it in your name. I know that your will in this area will look differently for each of your children, as you have blessed us all with unique gifts. Therefore, I ask for your discernment in discovering and developing the gifts that you have given me in order to love the world and speak out against the injustices such as the plight of refugees. Thank you for this time, for your words, love and blessings, and thank you for inviting me to be your hands and feet in the world. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
Check out this video for a unique and artistic portrayal of what some refugees took with them.
Video Credit UNHCR - “Cate Blanchett performs the rhythmic poem ‘What They Took With Them’ alongside fellow actors Keira Knightley, Juliet Stevenson, Peter Capaldi, Stanley Tucci, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Kit Harington, Douglas Booth, Jesse Eisenberg and Neil Gaiman.”