HOUSTONFORREFUGEES

We met an Afghan family and want to share their story with you. Jomadad, "Jimmy", was an interpreter for the US forces in Afghanistan. When the United States pulled the troops from Afghanistan, they brought many of the Afghanistan families to the United States that helped them during the last 20 years. Some of the families have been relocated to Houston. Some speak English, like Jimmy, but many do not. They were told they could bring two changes of clothes with them and left the rest of their belongings behind. They had but a few minutes to decide what to bring with them.

They are a strong and courageous group of people who put their lives on the line to help the American forces. They put their lives and those of their family members in harms way to help. Jimmy's father was killed in 2004 helping the Americans. Jimmy took on the cause to honor his father and to liberate his country. He is now living with 40-50 families in a small community where they hope to pick up the pieces of their lives and start building a new life for themselves. When we asked them how we could help and what they needed, they at first said they had everything they needed. They have a roof over their head, some furniture, beds to sleep in, clothes and food. The majority of this was provided by Interfaith Ministries. They pick these families up at the airport and bring them to their new home. They help get the children enrolled into school and try to meet their basic needs. They assign a caseworker to each family and do everything they can to get the important documents in their hands. If you are unable to give a monetary donation, would you consider being a volunteer? There are countless needs for rides or help filling out paperwork.

As we probed further, we were told that they woud like to have a bicycle for their children so they could play outside in this wonderful country. Imagine that you have only the things outlined above and your only request is for your children. If you are a parent, like we are, you understand the longing they have for their children to have stability, peace of mind and freedom to ride a bike and feel the wind on their face. We have been able to secure almost 20 used bikes and have been overwhelmed by the joy it has brought the kids. They share their bikes with each other and cheer each other on as they master the peddles and steering. The smiles are endless and our hearts are warmed.

We now know they need much more than bikes. The women want sewing machines so they can sew for their families. Those that don't speak English want to learn. Finally, they need money to help buy medicine; obtain baby items for the women who are pregnant; strollers; and a new pair of prosthetic legs for a gentleman who lost his legs when he stumbled across an IED helping the Americans sweep an area for mines. The list is endless and evolving every day. The more we get to know them and are trusted by them, the more of their needs are disclosed.

Anything you can provide will be used to help lift these families up while starting their new lives. They are a brave group who we believe are taking their first steps to build new lives for themselves. Thank you for hearing their story.