Canceled my Prime membership yesterday after having it for more than a decade. Today we’re purchasing a Costco membership. I’m hiring some asylum-seeking friends to cater my daughter’s bday instead of ordering pizza from nat’l chains. We can all do little things to make a big difference!

May I be a guard
for those who need protection,
a guide for those on the path,
a boat, a raft, a bridge
for those who wish to cross the flood.
May I be a lamp in the darkness,
a resting place for the weary ….
until all beings are freed from sorrow
and all are awakened.

- Shantideva

Trying to navigate the fall of democracy and the “Christian” Nationalist takeover while my MAGA parents live with us (temporarily, until they buy a house) is triggering me so much. Considering therapy again, but wondering if I need to save the $ in case I can’t afford groceries soon. 🤦🏼‍♀️

For Valentine’s Day this year, I’m handing out red cards. @the-ilrc.bsky.social 💃🏼

Lately I’ve been thinking a lot about the book Everything Sad is Untrue and the author’s refugee experience. @bethmoorelpm.bsky.social called it a “masterpiece,” and after several readings, I think it might just be the best book I’ve ever read. I shared it with one of my ELL students today. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Today I was able to explain the differences between refugees and asylum seekers to my mom, a hardcore MAGA. I explained the reasons why my students (who represent both groups and more) are necessarily concerned. It was a good conversation. 1/

Composure, Saints! This is a vital witness to our faith in Christ in any era of chaos.

Upon waking, let us meet with Jesus and trade our fear & anger for his courage & compassion.

Rely on God.
Read Scripture.
Be brave.
Pray valiantly.
Act like grownups.
Help the hurting.
Love defiantly.

Does anyone know why the Notifica app will not download on Google Play? @the-ilrc.bsky.social

In 2023, I released a book titled My Neighbor’s Shoes: Following Jesus in Empathy Toward Others. a 🧵 1/

No matter what, these birds sing. I reckon as a person of faith maybe the reason they do is because they know what matters most in all the world can never be taken from us & our Maker is unmoved, joyful & in full control &, best of all, I said BEST OF ALL, he has us a new day coming. A new creation.

I have some students wondering if the Special Immigrant Visas are affected by the executive orders or if there are plans to end these visas. They, along with all of my students, are concerned about their future. Can anyone help me answer this?

I’m already tired of being gaslit regarding things I can see with my own eyes.

I don’t have a hot take or a pithy thought today. I’m just sad and nervous. I’m an English teacher to adults—refugees, asylum seekers, immigrants—and their future here seems so uncertain. They are not just my students; they are my friends and family. 1/🧵

The only way to bring the about kingdom of God is to live it. You can’t force it, you can’t legislate it, you can only live it.

It’s been my experience that refugees/asylum seekers/immigrants are some of the most generous people on earth. They will give what little they have to someone else in need. I learn generosity from my students on a daily basis. They have so much to teach us.