From the Editor: These remarks from members of the Burmese family that we sponsor were part of our Worship service on Sunday, May 18.
Pway Doh:
First of all I thank God for sending us to America. When we arrive in America, we got a lot of freedom and we are in a place that is safe. We are very happy.
I am especially thankful to Flicka and the church for taking care of us and helping us with everything. The church help us move into the apartment, give us furniture, food, give us transportation, teach us English, and are there for us when we get sick.
Since my husband had his accident, some of you may wonder if we wish we had never come to the US. No, we are still happy to be here. Our future will still be better here. There is more opportunity for us and for our children.
I wish that God will always go with you, fulfill your needs, and bless you all.
Paw Yey:
My mother gave birth to me under a tree. Soon after that the Burmese army came to our village, killed our animals, burned our homes, and killed our people. We left for a refugee camp where I lived for 23 years and 6 months. I went through horrible stuff there. But because of God, we got to America.
We were very thankful to God when we came to US on June 11, 2007. But we had no sponsor. Two people from the resettlement agency met us at the airport, took us to the apartment, and then left. For two days we lived there but did not know what to do-how to use electricity; how to cook; how to use the apartment-nothing. Then we met another Karen family in our apt complex who told us about our apartment.
Since we had no sponsor we worried how we were going to live. My parents and brother were on the approved list to leave the refugee camp and come to Chapel Hill. They changed their minds and decided to stay there when they heard how bad it was for us here without a sponsor. Star Thi and I prayed to God to open a door to help us through these problems. God answered by sending us Flicka —who then brought us Louise. They came so loving to us and help with everything.
Then Star Thi got bad news about the brain tumor. If he didn’t have surgery, he could not see and would be blind. We were very sad and also very afraid of the surgery. Then Flicka gave us hope and made us strong about the surgery. She brought us someone who had already had the surgery and who told us about how it was for him. She told us that everybody in the church pray for us. Not only do they pray for us but they give us money to cover our rent when Star Thi cannot work. We are so thankful for everyone in the church who is helping us and who gave to us. Without you, we could not live.
Jesus said, “Inasmuch as you have done it unto the least of these my brethren, you have done it to unto me.”
Thank you so much. God go with you and bless you and your church.