These are a few of the questions our volunteers often ask when building bunk beds for our families. You see these are capable, smart, gifted individuals, but they don't build bunk beds everyday. In fact some of them have never assembled a bunk bed - ever. Working together, however, they figure it out. Putting the pieces together to form a structure that will provide rest and comfort for the children who will claim these beds as their own.

Building bunk beds is a good metaphor for what is happening at Welcome House Raleigh. In the past six weeks we have witnessed the Spirit of God empower disciples to respond to the crisis of Afghanistan. In an act of faith, churches have stepped forward to host families fleeing their home country in church properties. There are now 9 Welcome Houses in the Raleigh/Durham area and a total of 24 houses in our network. In six weeks we have added 10 houses and there are discussions to add 3 more!

These churches have never hosted a refugee family before. This is new territory for them. BUT. They know the Spirit of God is leading them to this work. They know how to make beds and stock cabinets. They know how to welcome someone into sacred space. They have each other and a whole network of friends to lean on, ask for help, and share wisdom. These churches have everything they need; they are ready to put the pieces together.

Our hearts are simply overflowing with gratitude, joy, hope, wonder, excitement and love. We are witnessing something holy take shape among us. Thanks be to God!

Sometimes we have a few days of notice that a family is arriving. Sometimes we have a few hours. When we know a family is headed to Raleigh, our volunteers start working.

Someone heads to the grocery store to stock the pantry and the refrigerator. Someone goes by the house/apartment to do a final check that the space is clean and ready. Someone will drop off hygiene kits with soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes for the family. Someone will make a hot culturally appropriate meal for the family. Someone goes to the airport to greet the family and pick them up. Depending on the family there may be last minute items that are needed - diapers? car seats? cribs? school supplies? Depending on the weather someone may need to go get coats or umbrellas.

Currently, we have guests from Afghanistan, Burma, Syria, Congo and Sudan. Everyday we offer prayers of thanksgiving for the volunteers and supporters who make this work possible. We are astounded by the ways we see this ministry growing and adapting to fit the needs of today. As you pray for these refugee families and the families that will come over the next few weeks, also remember our volunteers. Many of them are stretching into new ways of ministering.

The ministry of hospitality is an adventure born out of the heart of God, but it is not always easy. Pray for the volunteers and churches that are responding in faith - that God would give them joy, stamina and peace about their work.