When I came home from Jordan, over 3 months ago, I truly believed my life had taken a turn toward dullness. Surely nothing America had to offer could match that of the Middle East. I thought the issues I dealt with in Jordan would dwarf that of the issues found within the boundaries of the “Home of the Free.”
Today, I would like to recant those thoughts. I am currently living in the strangest city I have ever visited, much less inhabited. Although my heart longs to return to the work in Jordan, I know that God has placed me here, in Clarkston, Ga for a time and purpose.
Until 15 years ago, Clarkston was a quiet, white suburban town of Atlanta. Then the white southerners worst nightmare happened. Refugees from all regions of the globe became neighbors after government placement. Clarkston is ideal for refugee placement, since it has easy access to the city of Atlanta along with a vast amount of apartment complexes with-in its suburban radius. Since they initial refugee placement, the diversity has only grown. Clarkston High now boasts 47 different languages spoken by their students. You read correctly. 47. The people groups range from Laos to Bosnia to Somalia to Sudan. The Somali’s boast largest number in our little suburbia. Of the refugees, somewhere between 70-80% are of Islamic faith. The local mosque is Somali controlled, however a few other groups also attend.
My neighbors are from everywhere except America. The majority are a group of Russian Turks, which I will detail their extraordinary journey to America at a later date. The rest hail from Afghanistan, Somalia, Sudan, Ethiopia, and Sierra Leone (to name a few). Walking outside every morning is a inter-cultural experience. The older Turk men are sitting, talking and smoking while the covered Somali mothers walk with their babies in the cool of the daybreak breeze.
There is so much to be done. In discussing the needs of the refugee population, it is hard to know where to begin. All have been placed here by the government, and have 90 days to start living independently before the Federal support runs out. Thats 90 days to find a job, learn the local bus system, learn how to cope with American appliances, learn how to save money, develop enough of the English language to apply for a job, and deal with being in a new, faster, and less friendly American culture.
Overwhelmed yet?
Well the beautiful thing is that God is not overwhelmed. He has brought the nations to Clarkston, and He has placed a remnant of His people with-in them. I have been amazed at the unity that He has developed in what I call the “Church of Clarkston.” Through my discussions with the local believers that have chosen to live among the people of Clarkston, a common goal and vision has been the topic. God is at work, and we are seeking His wisdom and guidance.
The harvest is ready, and the workers are here.
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