A few times over the last couple of days, I’ve been talking with friends about German classes in Frankfurt. I was surprised to learn that, in one friend’s class, most people don’t speak English. Another friend, who wants to teach German lessons, mentioned the need for German teachers because of the high number of refugees coming into the country.

I’m embarrassed to admit I had no idea of the overwhelming number of people fleeing Africa for Europe. I had read about a large amount of refugees entering Italy, but I didn’t realize the number was so large and that so many countries were affected.

This article from today’s BBC discusses the topic of mandating quotas for European countries to share the incoming migrants. I’d highly suggest watching the minute long video just to get a sense of what a crisis this is.

60,000 people have tried to cross the Mediterranean this year.

1,800 people have died trying to cross the Mediterranean this year.

I thought this graphic from the BBC was really interesting, showing where the refugees are coming from, and where they are landing.

And Germany received 200,000 asylum applications last year.

So, as I approach my one year anniversary of living in this country, I will be grateful for all that I have and how fortunate I am to live in a country that so many are trying to enter in order to escape from the cruel realities of their home countries.