The Stories Behind the Case Numbers: Part Six

Where are we? Where are we going?

I helped my grandchildren with homework and piano practice. Then I took the dog and grand-dog on a leisurely walk. Now all are enjoying playing outside in the backyard. Normal stuff. Normal, peaceful, easy, predictable, comfortable, enjoyable stuff. The kind of stuff refugees seek.

Refugees love their homes. They leave because they have to, not because they want to. They leave because normal is fearful, violent, difficult, and anything but comfortable and enjoyable.

Zachary* and Maryam* with their two boys are finding their new normal in New Zealand. They are now in an apartment. They deeply appreciated the hospitality of their host family but are happy to be in their own place. They share their stories and their faces without fear now. The boys are allowed to play outside and enjoy other children. No more hunkering down without leaving the confines of their two rooms for fear of the authorities. They are still seeking employment. Their hope is to build a life for themselves and their boys.

Zachary explains that their permanent residence visa for New Zealand will allow them to visit the United States when they are able. Zachary writes, “When we come, we will definitely come to see you our good friends, Brother Butch and Mum!” Though help is still needed because he does not have a job, Zachary and his family are beginning to experience normal, peaceful, easy, predictable, comfortable, enjoyable stuff.

Bernard* studies and then studies some more. He is working to pass the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) Exam. This is the first step to applying and hopefully being accepted in a university in the West. He changed his major at university in Pakistan to English. Bernard knows that his only hope to build a secure life for himself is through education. Meanwhile the situation in Pakistan for Afghans is unstable. And Bernard’s mother, Malika, must remain in Afghanistan. He cannot help her into a safe environment until he is in one.

For now, we meet each week via zoom to encourage him. At the end of each call Bernard give us, Mrs. Nell and Mr. Butch, a virtual hug. Meanwhile, we help with living expenses and his tuition for school and English classes. It offers a measure of security for him during this long journey to normal peaceful easy predictable comfortable enjoyable stuff. But Bernard has hope.

Another application! Zeke* has lost count of how many he has filled out. A few returned calls offering only a few hours of work each week. I encourage Zeke not to be discouraged. “Nell, I trust you. I respect you. I will not be discouraged until you are discouraged!” After so many applications, I can’t help but wonder when a job will come through. Zeke has big plans. He will work and work hard. He will ride a bike to work until he can buy a car. He will go back to school and complete his degree. He will then build a career. He will be sure his daughters get the education they need for success. He will help Sarah* learn English so she is not isolated or alone.

Their new friend Kris comes and enjoys a visit and a cup of tea. They make trips to Walmart with friends. They enjoy visits to the park. They will join us and other friends for a cookout Mother’s Day Weekend.  In the meantime, we support Zeke and his family with living expenses and transportation. Zeke is desperate for a job, but he has hope. Because now he is experiencing normal, peaceful, easy, predictable, comfortable, enjoyable stuff.

Thank you for helping us help each of these precious friends move towards normal, peaceful, easy, predictable, comfortable, enjoyable stuff.

Reverend Nell Green is Emeritus Field Personnel with the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship and Co-Founder and Director of the non-profit organization, The Off Ramp.

*Names are changed for security and privacy purposes.