When was the last time you did something really, really satisfying?

Every human being needs to know what they're fighting for.

I sincerely believe everyone deserves determined respect, trustworthy honor, forgiving compassion, and true love, no matter their circumstances.

Adonay, a young man who declares himself Eritrean, looks a bit despondent, in spite of the wide smile. He confesses he's not been able to work in Maine, while seeking asylum, as a trained Pediatrician. He's slightly comforted by the simple fact that he can volunteer each week, setting up and tearing down tables at the neighborhood church. We unfold the stiff nylon blue table cloths from the larder, un-creasing the large sheets together. Sorting the rounds from the rectangles can be tricky and tedious, yet we've got plenty of time before the hoards come to feed.

As we lay the mish mash silverware in place, Adonay asks me why I'm here. I launch into my criss-cross journey from St Paul and realize, in the confusion, he meant literally, the church. Why am I at the church, am I also seeking asylum? Perhaps I am, I say. Seeking persecution of my own doing - seclusion and frequent Pity Parties.

Adonay tips his head to the floor, as though the tiles hold the Sistine Chapel images that cry to be seen. Self-absorption doesn't seem to be in his English vocabulary so I clarify by stating "I like to be with people from all different situations, to remember how lucky I am." That he seems to understand, smiling like Ernie on Sesame Street. Inviting and slightly humored.

When pressed, he describes his schooling in East Africa. He must be used to the ignorance of Americans because he launches into a description of his country, beginning with Africa. I tell him I'm familiar with Eritrea. Some of the families I served as a PCA in Minnesota are from eastern Sudan and Eritrea. The eyes, big as side salad plates, grow in wonder. A smooth, filmy laugh emerges, like a mother chortling at her mischievous child. Adonay's obviously delighted I know of his injera, the howling spice to their foods, and warmth of his people.

I can see he's grieving, it must be so difficult not to be able to continue his medical practice, using his refined skills to help people here. Instead, he's forced to volunteer - serving the homeless a meal twice a week, and playing with his children at home. "It doesn't feel with purpose,more like a woman's life" he decides.

"For now, you do what you can. You have this precious time with your kids and that's a true gift. One day, you'll be allowed to work in your field. In the meantime, be free of the guilt and shame. This IS your work." I nod in polite admiration and we part.

I'm fighting to have Adonay see his value, his self-respect, and the love he's now sharing with his family. Today, that is what I can do.

What're you fighting for?

#remember