Alka's Angle

Thank you, beloved family, for giving me the freedom to get away and catch some much needed retreat time. I look forward to the time and will share information on a few important events that are happening around the conference.

I heard in the news recently that a few thousand Afghan families, who are coming to the US as refugees, are likely to settle in Illinois. Another news confirmed the arrival of about 70 unaccompanied children who will be making Chicago their new home. These families and children, as we can suspect, are leaving Afghanistan with nothing except their own lives and in some cases their family members. We need to help them settle into this new environment, new place and new culture.

In the United States, September 15-October 15 is celebrated as “Hispanic Heritage Month” every year. Many have wondered why this observance begins in the middle of the month. It is so because September 15th marks the anniversary of the independence of 5 countries: Nicaragua, Honduras, El Salvador, Costa Rica, and Guatemala, followed by Mexico’s Independence Day on September 16th and Chile’s on September 18th.

Tomorrow marks the 20th Anniversary of 9/11 -- the day that is forever etched in the memory of all who were alive at the time. We remember where we were on that day and what we were doing. Life in the United States has not been the same ever since.

If you listened to the news this week then you may be aware of the Supreme Court’s decision on abortion in Texas, which takes effect this week, allowing private citizens to sue anyone they even suspect of helping a pregnant person access the services. Two weeks ago we had talked about voting rights under attack! It truly feels like our country has reverted back decades. Lives are at risk and rights are being taken away. I encourage us to let our elected officials know that these are not the right choices for women, persons of color or any minority identity. If you can, donate to organizations that fight against these rules, and/or continue to provide the needed services.