Tonight, my friend Julie and I had the opportunity to wait at the airport and welcome a new family that arrived from Malaysia. Our church has supported refugees from Burma and Malaysia for the past five years. It has been a little while since a family moved to our area, so it was exciting to be part of the welcoming party for this family. Luckily, this family already has family living in Richmond (I’m still not sure on all the connections. They know the pastor that leads the Kachin service at TBC).
The family flew from Malaysia to Dallas, and then to Richmond. They have never been on a plane before, and they were traveling with their 2 children, and 5 year old and a 1 year old. They had been traveling for 2 days. All of their belongings fit in a couple of carry ons and checked bags. Through a case worker, they were able to get an apartment with a 3 month lease. The case worker will spend the next 30 days getting the family all their documentation, shots, etc. Then there will be 60 days where the case workers helps the family transition and start living on their own. That’s all they get…3 months. Granted, our church will be there to support them in many ways- providing car seats, helping for relationships, and making them feel welcome.
But can you imagine: Packing up your family, flying for 2 days with your young children, and arriving in a country where you know only a handful of people. You may understand some of the language, but not most of it. You are driving through a city you don’t know (in the midst of a huge thunderstorm, by the way) and are so excited to be here, and yet so exhausted from traveling. Can you imagine?
It was such an honor to be a part of this. It was humbling, exciting, and joyous all at the same time. I started smiling with the little boy (he and his younger sister will eventually end up under my care in the nursery). Through a translator, it was explained to his parents that I would be one of his teachers at the church, and they seemed very excited about this. He is a ball of energy, but I’m so ready to get to know him and the rest of his family.
I hope that there will be other times I am able to welcome families to America. I am looking forward to working with this new family. Once the family has had time to settle down, Julie and I are planning on going over and visiting with them, just to make them feel more welcome. I can’t wait.
Until next time,
Micah 6:8
