Being a Refugee

When I was younger, a standard exercise at retreats or conferences was to ask “What three things would you take with you to a deserted island?” I actually remember writing down “mascara” once.

Now on the news, we see entire families fleeing Ukraine. They have small rolling luggage, backpacks, and heavy coats with the pockets stuffed. I heard a historian say that if nuclear reactors should start to leak, we should actually think about the possibility of an Evacuation of Europe!

So think hard while looking at your “stuff.” Your home is likely to have been blown apart by the time you are able to return, if at all. What would you put in your backpack? What would you put in the small suitcase, knowing that it could be taken away from you? Clothes and underwear? Books and photographs? Medicine and health aids,  including insulin, pain relievers, and inhalers? Maps and Money and identification? Address books with phone numbers?

Make a list of at least ten things you would take with you if you had to leave your home and country.
Then star two items that are essential to you. Explain why that is so.

If, on reflection, you change your mind, edit your list.