Imagine

IMAGINE! IMAGINE!! IMAGINE!!! 

Imagine waking up one day and it is not business as usual. 

I was in danger, it was life-threatening! 

I have been there and I would not wish this on anyone in a lifetime. 

All I had to focus on was, what can I do to get to safety? 

BIG QUESTION, does the focus really make sense at the time? 

Imagine a stable and well-established family setting, 

The next minute it is just chaos around you. 

Leaving behind all what you have worked for all your life. 

Unbelievable, but I have been there. 

When there is a fire, you don’t pick up belongings other than your life. 

That is exactly what I did. That is the reason you are able to read this piece. 

Imagine a journey to safety, with only one idea in your head 

Relocating to a place of safety where I could be welcomed, accepted 

And be allowed to live a dignified, respected and purposeful life again. 

Without threats all around you, safe habitat. 

I am not there yet as I write this piece, there are still bridges to cross. 

Imagine disbelief, destitution, detention, deportation, further exposure to harm. 

It takes resilience and finding the right support network to remain hopeful and dream on. 

Life is about holding on to hope, that dim light in the tunnel. 

I am where I am now because a friend introduced me to one charity: Women for Refugee Women. 

I accepted the invitation and the rest is history. 

Imagine confidence, identity, skills, community and restoration of my voice! 

They unlocked the potential inside of me, the activities have given me all that. 

I have settled status, I am a spokesperson, I am a researcher, I am a Trustee. 

I am using my voice to create change. 

I will be there, soon. My happiness, my freedom, my joy.