My day with a refugee family
I walked into the DMV with my friend Brianna, peering through the ocean of faces to see if I could find who we were looking for. To my right, a seated cattle-call of people waited for their numbers to be bellowed from behind the counter. To my left, another fifty or more people waited. Brianna spotted Emran’s* two young sons, smiled and waved, and we quickly made our way over to them. She asked, “Where’s your dad?” They stared back at her blankly. That language barrier sure could be difficult if you do not have the help from competent, skilled, and professional transcribers to complete your project. “Where’s Emran?” They both shrugged their shoulders as we glanced around to see if we could locate him. The older son pointed straight in front of him, and when we followed his line of sight, we saw his mother talking to a DMV employee. We walked over, and Brianna asked what was going on. Emran’s wife speaks pretty much zero English, so she was confused as to why her ID application wasn’t being approved. We quickly discovered that the immigration office had actually incorrectly misspelled her last name on her green card, which meant her new last name was no longer going to be “Abraham*” but “Abrahm” and it did not match the name on her ID application. She would need to submit a new form with an additional $21 fee. Maybe not a big deal to many people, but for this refugee family living on an incredibly fixed income, that’s like a week’s worth of food.
I offered to cover the difference, but didn’t feel comfortable doing so without Emran’s permission. By this point, we had discovered that he was taking his driver’s permit test, so we decided to wait to talk to him before we made the decision.
———————————————————————————————–
A few months ago, I started mulling over the idea of writing a blog post about a refugee family. I really wanted to show that behind the politics of the issue are real people, with real needs and real stories. I wanted to show that this isn’t just a political issue; it is a human issue.
I wasn’t really sure how that would look, or who I would contact to find a family willing to be interviewed. One day, I was scrolling through my newsfeed on Facebook, and saw a post from a friend talking about an organization she is partnering with called World Relief. World Relief’s mission is to empower the local church to serve the most vulnerable. They help refugees and immigrants from all countries resettle and rebuild their lives. They also help connect them with immigration solicitors that can help them get citizenship. They may also get help from MARA registered migration agents perth.
Regardless of what you believe about bringing refugees into our country, the fact is, they are here. And now that they are, as Christians, we are called to help them. Jesus said when we welcome a stranger, we welcome Him {Matthew 25:35}. As the World Relief website states, “Refugees are uniquely vulnerable individuals who have fled persecution. Our biblical faith compels us to respond to their plight with compassion and hospitality.”
My friend arranged a meeting between me, her, and a World Relief worker named Brianna to see if a partnership would be doable. Brianna explained to me how World Relief works, and when I asked if she knew of a family that would be willing to be interviewed and have their story shared, she said she had just the family in mind. She was going to meet with them a few days later, helping them at the DMV and a local clinic where they would receive their immunizations. I was invited along to shadow her and meet the family to see if they would be a good fit.
————————————————————————————————-
After waiting about an hour, Emran came out of the testing room with a smile on his face. He had passed his test. Brianna introduced the two of us, and I immediately knew I would like him. He had wrinkles around his eyes. Not just age wrinkles, smile wrinkles. That meant he smiled. A lot.
The next hour was spent waiting some more, and then finishing up the paperwork and obtaining their ID photos and Emran’s temporary driver’s permit. It was about 11:30 when we left. The family had a 1:00 appointment at a local clinic dedicated to providing medical services for refugees, but Emran and his wife weren’t having any part of just moving on to their next appointment until they at least fed Brianna and I a snack and some tea.
Emran and his younger son rode with me, while his wife and older son went with Brianna. They needed to stop at an Afghan market on the way home to pick up some food staples. By the time we were done there, it was about noon. That meant we had a 1/2 hour to get back to their apartment, make tea and enjoy each other’s company before they had to go to their next appointment.
Their apartment isn’t in the best area of town. You can imagine with the limited assistance they are receiving, their options are few. We walked into their small one-bedroom home, removed our shoes, and sat down on the living room floor as Emran’s wife hurried to put together some food and tea to serve us. Brianna asked if there was anything she could do to help, and Emran’s wife laughed, shaking her head no. The room was dark, with a stream of natural light flowing in from the sliding glass door next to the couch. Emran’s wife brought out some cake, Naan, biscuits and tea. Normally, I would turn down an offer of sugar-laden desserts that I knew would make my joints hurt later, but knowing what a sacrifice these people were giving, sharing their food generously with me, I couldn’t say no. I nibbled on some cake, took a bite of Naan, and enjoyed the green tea that was perfectly sweetened with sugar by Emran himself.
We sat while Emran showed me photos of Afghanistan and shared his story of being an English translator for the U.S. military. He told of the day he was scouting a location for a new school the Americans were going to build for Afghani children, and how his car was hit by a roadside bomb, breaking both his legs, and virtually shattering his feet.
See part two HERE.
*Names have been changed to protect privacy.
**At Emran’s request, I have not publicly shared images of his wife.
Sarah Malone says
This is amazing! I cannot wait to hear their story. Thank you for telling the other side. You are right, there is so much more behind the refugee crisis than just politics. This puts a face to the issue. Thank you for using your platform to spread truth and love!
Shanti Landon says
Thank you, Sarah! I’m thankful for the opportunity!
Wahida S. says
Thank you for your kindness and happiness to share with family in crisis. You are true example of your Jesus and much respected and admired. I am Muslim and this brings joy to see a Christian reaching out to Muslim to help.
Muslim says
True Muslims do not embrace christianity and do not endorse or condone their help. You are actively supporting the infidels and encouraging the friendship of Muslims and christians, which the Holy Qur’an clearly forbids. Do not be fooled by the temptations of this world nor the author of this article. She is a puppet of Iblīs and we should not be working together. Muslims should be supporting their own, not allowing the help of westerners who are trying to take away our rights and abilities. Do not allow the facade presented in this article to make you accept the help of the christians.
Shanti Landon says
Dear “Muslim,” I am sorry to hear you do not believe in the collaboration of Muslims and Christians. As a believer and follower of Jesus Christ, I can say without any reservation that the joy I receive from connecting with people, regardless of race or religion is worth every bit of dissent or discouragement. I believe God (or Allah as you would refer to Him) loves each human equally and it pains His heart to see his sons and daughters divided and fighting against each other. My prayer would be that your heart would be open to accepting the love and help of *anyone*, whether they are Muslim or not, for I believe you will live a much richer, more blessed life if you do!
Muslim says
Do not attempt to deceive us, the Holy Qur’an says you are the infidel, we do not take that lightly, or pick and choose what to believe out of our Holy Book as you christians do with your book. You do not know Islam, do not pretend to have concern for those of a different faith, it is not authentic, and Muslims can see through your motivations.
Kiran says
Hi Muslim,
Which scholar and school of thought do you follow?
Having studied in the US, Egypt, and Tunisia, and being a Muslim myself, from a practicing Muslim family, I have never heard such horrible, tasteless, hate-filled commentary from someone. Really, I’d like to know your sources – and the historical context for those sources – that prove what you’re saying.
Just wondering, have you heard of the Pact of Najran? The one that the Prophet pbuh signed with Christians? You know, in peace… because they’re Ahl al-Kitab? Please learn the history of how your Prophet dealt with Christians before acting like you know how Muslims are “supposed” to deal with Christians. Are you familiar with the First Hijra, aka the Migration to Abyssinia? You know, when the Prophet phuh advised his followers who were being persecuted by the Quraish to go to the *Christian* Ethiopian King of Aksum because the King would give the Muslims shelter?
Also, just in case you needed some surahs and ahadith to remind you of how we’re taught to deal with others, forgive, and love one’s enemy, here you go:
“O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that ye may know each other (not that ye may despise (each other). Verily the most honoured of you in the sight of Allah is (he who is) the most righteous of you. And Allah has full knowledge and is well acquainted (with all things).” (49:13)
“’Whoever suffers an injury done to him and forgives (the person responsible), Allah will raise his status to a higher degree and remove one of his sins.” (Sunan At-Tirmidhî)
“Do not be people without minds of your own, saying that if others treat you well you will treat them well, and that if they do wrong you will do wrong. Instead, accustom yourselves to do good if people do good and not to do wrong if they do evil.” (Sunan At-Tirmidhî)
“It may be that Allah will bring about love between you and those of them with whom you are now at enmity; and Allah is All-Powerful; and Allah is Most Forgiving, Merciful.” (60:8)
“And they feed, for the love of Allah, the indigent, the orphan, and the captive.” (Surah 76:8)
“And hold fast, all together, by the rope which Allah (stretches out for you), and be not divided among yourselves; and remember with gratitude Allah’s favour on you; for ye were enemies and He joined your hearts in love, so that by His Grace, ye became brethren; and ye were on the brink of the pit of Fire, and He saved you from it. Thus doth Allah make His Signs clear to you: That ye may be guided.” (Surah 3:103)
“O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm for Allah , witnesses in justice, and do not let the hatred of a people prevent you from being just. Be just; that is nearer to righteousness. And fear Allah ; indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what you do.” (5:8)
And let’s not forget the most repeated name of God in Islam – the Most Gracious, Most Merciful. Does that sound like a God who’s filled with as much anger and hatred as you?
Inshallah you’re guided to the right path and Allah helps remove all this hate from your heart. If not, I’m sorry you live in such a terrible world where everyone is your enemy. Peace be with you.
Shanti Landon says
Thank you, Wahida! It brings me pure joy to know that Muslims and Christians can work together for the betterment of each other. I appreciate your support!
Muslim says
Quran (2:191-193) – “And kill them wherever you find them, and turn them out from where they have turned you out. And Al-Fitnah is worse than killing… but if they desist, then lo! Allah is forgiving and merciful. And fight them until there is no more Fitnah and worship is for Allah alone. But if they cease, let there be no transgression except against Az-Zalimun”
Quran (3:56) – “As to those who reject faith, I will punish them with terrible agony in this world and in the Hereafter, nor will they have anyone to help.”
Quran (8:12) – “I will cast terror into the hearts of those who disbelieve. Therefore strike off their heads and strike off every fingertip of them”