Reflections of Hser Nay Moo

I was blessed by the loving smile of Hser Nay Moo a few times. She attended our church with her family, who was seeking love in a foreign land. She really did have a warming smile that is hard to forget (with or without her two front teeth).

As I have listened to people ask the question "Why?", I have thought to myself that even though this may seem like a senseless act of evil, we may be able to extract some light out of it. The media has helped to make the community aware of the refugee situation in the Salt Lake Area and they have only covered the tip of the iceberg.

In the past four years of living in this neighborhood I have personally worked with about a hundred missionaries. My efforts haven't been great but enough that I know that refugees need help and lots of it. Not just food, money, clothes and other material items but the opportunity of becoming a good part of the community. This communal integration can't be brought about by one person with a lot of time. It takes the entire community giving a little here and a little there.

I feel if we must have an explanation to the disappearance and eventual death of Hser Nay Moo then this is it. The community should seek out ways to help integrate refugees into our community so that they can lead successful, enjoyable lives in this exciting but strange land. Maybe just offering a smile. Taking some time to talk with them, giving them an opportunity to practice English. Finding out about their culture. Help them with work/education opportunities. Simply being nice.

I only knew Hser Nay Moo through her smiles and doing the "twist," but I bet she would want us to know that her life and death can serve a purpose for good.

God bless her family, especially her parents. May He comfort them.

We love you.