Comforted by Strangers

In 2001 I was a study-abroad student in southern France. I was in the program director’s office when I heard about the first plane hitting the World Trade Center in New York City. I was horrified to hear the news, but as I walked back to my dorm, I knew nothing of what was really happening. I assumed it was a terrible accident, but soon I learned that it was a terrorist attack. I was shaken to the core.

It felt strange to be in another country, hearing about an attack on my home nation. Although I knew none of the victims personally, I was grieving along with countless others. I had been in France only a month, so I didn’t really know anyone there. I was surprised by the great compassion I encountered throughout the months that followed. It seemed that whenever I met someone new and told them I was an American they would immediately tell me how sorry they were about the attacks of September 11. They would look at me with caring eyes and real concern.

To experience the compassion of strangers was an amazing thing. I was a foreigner, living far away from my family and friends, but the people I met welcomed me and showed concern for me. All of us are called to do the same for the people we meet, never forgetting that it is Christ who first welcomes us.