The scene at Euston on Thursday
Last week during storm Doris, our daughter Jo became stranded in London as all trains to her home in Manchester had been cancelled. Due to the large number of people stranded, hotel beds were difficult to find, the tube stations were closed because of overcrowding and there were long queues for taxis. She texted us for help and as we prayed I was able to put a message out on Facebook and begin compiling a list of people we knew in the London area. Within the hour, I had had several offers of lifts and beds for the night for her and the kindness of friends moved me to tears. As it turned out she was able to find a hotel bed and finally got a taxi there but it was a worrying hour or so for me as a mum thinking of my pregnant daughter wandering London on her own.
This incident made me reflect again on how dreadful is the plight of so many refugees fleeing their homelands looking for safety. Among them will be young mothers to be like Jo who will not have the benefit of parents with lots of friends who would willingly take them in. Jo knew she would be able to get back home the next day but it is just beyond imagination to think of people leaving behind all their worldly possessions, other than that which they can carry, and travelling to unknown destinations where there is no certainty of a welcome and conversely, the possibility of danger and hostility as they travel. Even though these people are anonymous to us, it made me remember that they are all known and loved by their own families and each one is precious to God.
If anyone wishes to give a donation to the refugee crisis appeal you can do so through many charities including the Methodist charity, All We Can. Www.allwecan.org.uk
