Unexpected Love

I have been adopted by a refugee family from Afghanistan. The entire day, these three little peanuts followed me around, holding my hands, hugging me, kissing me, waiting for me outside the bathroom...anything. The oldest daughter is 9, followed by the middle daughter age 8, with little guy Amir holding his own at age 6. They are very lucky, as they have both their mom and dad with them (almost unheard of).

At first I thought they were all boys, which I later learned is intentional. Refugee parents often cut their daughter's hair short to look like boys in an effort to avoid trafficking, harassment, rape and general violence against women. This nearly broke my heart.

My family took me and my friend back to their tent. Their mother and father are lovely people. And in this little tent, a home for five people, they gave us tea and little candies they make out of powdered sugar and milk. They also shared their dinner with us, which was rice and potatoes. I was aware that with every bite I took, one of the kids probably didn't get to eat as much. That level of giving, of sharing...I'm deeply changed.

They hope to come to America. They look at pictures of my family back home in awe, watching a video of my niece sing me "happy birthday" and quietly sing along with her. I realize while watching their faces that I have now seen true beauty. I can't wait to go back to the camp, bringing my new little family chocolate treats. A scarf for mom. But I know that all the chocolate in the world would never be enough to repay their kindness, generosity and openness. I'm floored and flooded with emotion.

This photo shows the outside of a refugee tent at camp. My family has been fleeing war and violence for the better part of 25 years, and are worried to have their photos made public. It is with love that I respect their wishes. 

Originally published Nov. 10, 2016