Unite the Lual Family

My name is Jean Morrow and I've posted this page to raise funds for my friend, Jacob Lual.  We are in the final steps of a many year process to reunite Jacob's family, flying them from Uganda to South Dakota.  But there is so much more to the story!

Jacob Lual was one of the Sudanese Lost Boys who arrived in Sioux Falls 12+ years ago.  I met Jacob 11 years ago when I joined the Spirit of Peace UCC congregation as their pastor.  Over the past 11 years, I've celebrated Jacob's high school graduation, college graduation, and the achievement of citizenship.  I've also celebrated his marriage and the birth of his children, albeit long distance, as his wife and kids are in Africa.

About 7 years ago, Jacob spent several months in Sudan reconnecting with the family he had been separated from since age 2 1/2.  While there, he met and married Elizabeth.  Upon his return to Sioux Falls, Jacob immediately began to work on getting Elizabeth a visa so that she could come to the US...a process that is very, very slow and takes years.  

While waiting for a visa, Jacob and Elizabeth began a family, welcoming Thon (6) and Aloung (3).  Soon after Aloung's birth, Elizabeth became very ill.  Though medical records are difficult to secure from Africa, it appears she has a debilitating form of Lupus.   As a church, we have held fundraisers through the years to assist Jacob in paying medical bills, as Elizabeth has been hospitalized several times in Uganda. 

Many of Jacob's friends rallied and have worked tirelessly through Senator Thune's office to obtain an expedited visa for Elizabeth.  (Thon and Aloung are citizens because Jacob is a citizen.)  Finally, after a 17 hour bus ride, a short hospital stay, and an interview in Nairobi, Kenya at the embassy, Elizabeth was granted a one-month visa on Oct. 6th, meaning she must travel by Nov. 6th.

I've posted this page on behalf of those of us who love Jacob and want to raise the travel funds for Jacob, his family and his brother, Dut (Doot).  Because Elizabeth is so ill, she needs a travel companion and the children need adult supervision.  Dut has faithfully travelled with Elizabeth and the children back and forth from Uganda to Nairobi.  He will be a godsend for the children, who have only been with Jacob when he has been able to travel back to Africa for a visit.

Of course, we are delighted to reunite this family.  But, we are also feeling the stress of getting Elizabeth better healthcare, a thorough physical, a reliable diagnosis and appropriate medication.  She is an incredibly strong young woman to have endured all she has endured to see the day come when she and her kids can travel to be with Jacob. 

With such a short window to do fundraising, we were fortunate to have two people step forward to put the tickets on their credit cards, but now we need to actually raise the money to get them here.  It will take approximately $10,000.

I have so much love and respect for Jacob.  I've never seen someone work so hard and endure so many set-backs.  His hope and unwavering faith is remarkable.  He wants his family with him and has dedicated himself to that goal for many years.  By Nov. 6th, his hard work will come into fruition.

I would be so grateful for whatever you could share with the Lual family.  This is one of those times when you know your contribution will be going directly to people who need your loving support.  If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact me by email, phone or messaging.

Again, thank you in advance for your generosity.

Blessings,

Jean

Rev. Jean Morrow
Senior Pastor
Spirit of Peace UCC
Sioux Falls, SD 57108