Being Kind to Others, one encounter at a time 

I wrote this a few years ago, but it feels timely to share again. In Switzerland, many of the refugees we meet today are Ukrainian. Yesterday, I helped an elderly couple with their two teenage grandchildren. Today, I saw a kind Swiss woman assisting another refugee with her tram ticket. 

I’ve only made a few updates to this blog, adding reflections at the end. This is a moment to remember the importance of kindness and consideration for others. 

Refugees are human beings—people with rights, needs, fears, and tremendous bravery. #IStandWithRefugees 

My Experience 

Years ago, I had a memorable flight to Chicago. 

Confusion 

The flight from Zürich to Chicago was only half-full, and I was exhausted from an early start to the day. Like most international travel, the process had been a blur of hurrying up only to wait. 

As I boarded, I noticed a group ahead of me. At first glance, I assumed they were a band or choir. The women wore traditional African clothing, vibrant and striking, and their skin tones complemented the vivid fabrics. The men dressed more conventionally, but their outfits shared the same colors and patterns. Among them were many children, all similarly dressed. The scene was striking but puzzling.

Freedom 

Once seated, I was relieved to find the seat next to me empty, and I quickly got comfortable. I started watching *The Theory of Everything* when the gentleman across the aisle caught my attention. He was part of the group I had noticed earlier. 

He held up a customs card, looking puzzled, and asked for help. With nine hours ahead of me, I was happy to assist. 

Clarification 

I paused the movie, took off my headphones, and began explaining how to fill out the form: name, flight details, passport information. When we reached the passport section, he hesitated. He showed me his travel bag, which bore the logo of “International Migration Services.”   

That’s when it clicked—this wasn’t a choir. These were refugees, about three dozen of them, embarking on a journey to the U.S. for a new life.  The man, a father traveling with his wife and two young sons, explained their destination: Chicago first, and then Florida. From there, the group would disperse, each family going to their respective sponsors. 

 Their Bravery 

Their journey had already been filled with "firsts." From Guinea to Tanzania via Nairobi, and now Zürich to Chicago, they had experienced new clothes, air travel, unfamiliar food, strange climates, and being surrounded by so many Caucasians.  Ahead lay many more firsts—some exciting, others daunting. The father shared his perspective: 

 “Whatever is ahead is better than being killed, or seeing your children killed.” 

 His words stayed with me. These families had fled a war zone, leaving behind everything familiar in search of safety and opportunity. 

 My own Lessons Learned 

I often think of this man and his family. They had already overcome what seemed insurmountable to me. They made painful decisions and persevered with courage, hope, and resilience.  He knew their journey would be fraught with challenges, but his determination was clear. He saw opportunity in the unknown and chose it over the destruction they had left behind. 

 Reflection 

Years later, I still wonder about this family. Are they still in Florida? Did they find acceptance? Have they begun to thrive, or do they face discrimination, over and over again? 

 Yesterday, I helped a family at a Swiss train station. Today, I watched a Ukrainian woman at the tram stop, her suitcase in hand, clearly navigating an unfamiliar place. 

 What will happen to them?  God only knows.

 It breaks my heart to see the plight of refugees—whether in the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, Sudan, or Myanmar. Conflicts around the world continue to displace millions. 

 I hope it breaks your heart, too. Not to despair, but to act. Even small gestures of kindness can make a difference.  May we face life’s challenges with courage and compassion. And may we strive to make the world a better, kinder place for everyone, one small gesture at a time with the person in front of us. 

 You can reach me at patricia@jehle-coaching.com. 

 Patricia Jehle