Today I met a Syrian refugee. I was hoping to meet the entire family: husband, wife, and 5 kids. We think the oldest girl, approximately 23 years old, is actually their niece. I was delivering a Welcome basket to the family and had been told they don't speak English, only Arabic, but that maybe the 23 year old knew a little bit of English.

The Welcome basket had mostly practical items: toothbrushes, hand towels, paper towels, toilet paper, dishwashing soap, laundry detergent, cleaning products including bleach, feminine products. There was a very soft, cozy lavender and white blanket, a "btania" I later translated, my daughter would have loved it. There was also an American flag, not sure yet what that means for this family.

I had texted the Viber number I was given for the family and called several times in the previous days. No answer, no reply to my text messages either. This could go on for weeks and so realizing in some cultures it's okay to swing by, I did. I had waited until about 10am to visit. After I knocked, there was no answer for about a minute. Man, was my drive in vain? Then I saw a light come on. "Thank you God."

The mother, wife, answered the door with a surprised look on her face. Duh, a bit of alarm for sure. Who is this little white man, in a very bright blue shirt knocking on my door. "Salam." About the only word I can offer off the top of my mind. And a smile. "Do you speak English?" "No Arabic." I'm thinking, need to be able to download Arabic into brain now.  "I'm sorry I don't know Arabic." Very helpful thing to say. I mentioned the group I was representing and that seemed to resonate with her. No one else was home.

I handed her the basket and gestured somehow to indicate I would like to introduce myself and described what I've brought. I stepped inside and we kept the door open. I pulled out my phone and accessed Google translate. We went through all of the items with that techno interpreter's pronunciations guiding our conversation. There was agreement. The Mrs. completely understood and had confidence as to what the items were. I used the universal drink this and you will die expression when showing her the bleach. I think she realized in that moment that I can be kind of a goofball, how to translate that Google?

Conversation got really confusing when I was trying to translate about my next visits. Ultimately you can't translate "I want to be your friend and will visit pretty regularly and help everyone however I can." I just have to do it. I gave up trying and just pointed to a number they could call if they needed immediate help. As I drove home, I realized my soul was glad. I now have a face I can think of in my prayers.

"Shukraan", thanks.