Open arms for a family fleeing violence at home – Lutheran Community Services Northwest

Dear Ana, Alexa, Suzinne, Jan, Marcie, Kate, Kristen, Nan, Judy, Lauren, Bill, Osman, Bria, Katie, and Abdishakur,

My name is Innocent and I am from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The eastern region of my country is experiencing many hardships, including war. Many of us have fled from this violence to neighboring countries. From there we have been diverted to other countries, including the United States of America (USA), where my family and I arrived in the winter of 2012.

When I learned that we would be living in the USA, I felt like we were being sent to live in paradise! I thought that living in the USA meant that one could get whatever they want without breaking a sweat. I soon realized that this was a false assumption and to achieve the American dream that I heard so much about, I was definitely going to have to work for it. I was also shocked to see people in the streets begging and living in difficult situations. All of these realizations made me homesick and, at times, physically ill as well. I did not feel confident in my abilities to fit into my new adopted homeland and provide for my family.

I was able to find help though, and I thank God and Lutheran Community Services for helping me and my family to become accustomed to all these changes. We were greeted by people from Multicultural Services (MCS), a program of LCSNW, when we first arrived at the SeaTac International airport. They welcomed us with open arms and guided us to our new home that they helped us rent. They also provided us with dishes, chairs, a table and warm clothes. Later we learned that many of these items were provided by generous donations from individuals in the community. We were very touched by the generosity of strangers and this also helped us begin to feel comfortable in our new home.

LCSNW and you were key in helping my family and I get settled in our new home. We are so grateful for not only the material support, but also the physical and mental support that we received. They helped us become self-sufficient and put us on a path that will help us realize our dreams.

With God’s blessing,
Innocent