The always insightful Edward Fitzpatrick of the Boston Globe covered Dear Rhode Island’s welcome letters initiative for Afghan refugees in this beautiful story that captures the power of letters and the kindness of our community.
PROVIDENCE — One letter described the delight of taking your “first breath of salty sea air” along Rhode Island’s coastline.
Another letter evoked the “spicy, tomatoey goodness” of the state’s Italian food.
And yet another recounted the sight of bright red sumac cones and the smell of “warm pine needles” on a trail in Chepachet.
Rhode Islanders have taken the time to create 165 handwritten letters welcoming the Afghan evacuees who will soon arrive in the state, following the Aug. 30 withdrawal of the last U.S. forces from Afghanistan.
Read the full story and view photographer Pat Greenhouse’s lovely photos at BostonGlobe.com.