Thread by @ahmadalrashid99

Today is World Refugee Day. I became a refugee almost a decade ago. Forced to leave home never wanted to leave. Left and thought it would be for a day or two. Left heart there and been living without a heart since then….

#WorldRefugeeDay

The minute I crossed the borders I got a new label and it stuck with me since then… “a refugee”
Wherever I go, whatever I do, whoever I got to interact with, I will alway have the label “refugee” accompanying me…

Ten years of my life, my entire twenties, have been identified by the very term “refugee”. Most of the time I didn’t care much about it, other times I was so furious about that…

The most frustrating experience was when some people would reduce my entire being into one word “refugee” - There were times when I had to actively remind people that this is a “status” and that I still have other parts of myself exactly like you…

As well as being a “refugee”, I’m also a father, a teacher, a lover, a dreamer and so many other things. It frustrates me when you only see that one thing in me and ignore the rest…

One of the most irritating experiences has been when I got invited to tv, radio, events etc was the fact when I got introduced they would focus on the “refugeeness” and sort of deliberately omit the rest of myself… although I requested being introduced in a certain way…

This was and still quite frustrating and I think some people (•••) would benefit from learning about how others would like to be included when it comes to introducing them
It makes a difference if you ask people, I found it extremely helpful and respectful… don’t take it away

For me, World Refugee Day has been a daily occurrence/reality since I left home almost 10 years ago. It’s full of successes and losses, lots of ups and downs. So many great things and not so many great things too…

There were horrible things that happened along the way. Saw mass graves, saw children torn into piece, cared for victims of sexual enslavement, lived is some of the most squalid places, ate and drank things that no human can imagine being forced to do…

Despite all of the awful things that had happened, there were so many amazing things and people that made this journey more bearable…

This journey has introduced me to many incredible people. People that have made a huge difference in my life… People who gave me a hand when I needed it. People who saw and firmly believed we’re all EQUAL

People may forget things, but for me, I will never forget those acts of kindness. The looks, the smiles, the kind words, the random messages from strangers that I met along this journey…

Random people gave me food when I was starving, smiled at me when I was hopeless, wished me luck when I was stuck, provided me shelter when I was homeless, guided me when I was lost… to all of you I say: THANK YOU…

There are SO many unsung heroes out there. I wish to thank you from the bottom of my heart…

Treat people the way you want to be treated. Never take anything for granted. Put yourself in people’s shoes. You might be lucky today. Tomorrow things might change for you or your kids. Sow a good seed today for you never know what tomorrow will being you. Thank you ❤️