Day 42.

One of my boys asked to know more about the war in Syria.

I don’t know enough yet to explain all of the political pieces to him. I was trying to figure out how to explain it to him in a way that was real – both true to the experience and that he and his brother can understand (my boys are almost six).

Then one of my favorite booksellers from my favorite bookshop recommended, as one of her best-of-2016 picks, The Journey, by Francesca Sanna.

Sanna met refugee children and combined their stories to create this brilliant book told from a child’s perspective – but with an awareness of an adult’s perspective too.

The story has darkness, and fear, and worry, and shows the heartbreaking decisions families have to make when they’re trying to stay alive. There are also moments of strength and hope.

I bought it and we read it tonight. They worried about the things kids worry about – why they had to leave their cat behind. Where their suitcases went. Why their mommy is crying.

On the last few pages there was a note of hopefulness, though it doesn’t always end like that.

I’m meditating on this book tonight, on the journeys going on today and every day.

I’m also donating to the White Helmets today in honor of my favorite bookseller.