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Although La Posada mostly serves Central American immigrants, the shelter has served people from more than 60 countries, including Middle Eastern clients, each year since 1989. One client, for example, came to La Posada after twice escaping from Sadaam Hussein's army. Conscripted in 1985 and forced to serve in Iraq 's war against Iran, he eventually succeeded in making his way to the Americas and crossing the U.S. border. At the immigration holding center, he was impressed that the government officers treated him respectfully-very different from his experience in Iraq. As soon as he received security clearance, Sister Leona Ulewicz, CDP, arrived to advocate for a speedy release, and he said he felt true care and support. Safe at La Posada, he appreciated the Sisters' advice and comfort... and the Community's effort to find and provide familiar tools of his trade (woodcarving). While awaiting asylum, he created beautiful wood frames, some of which he sold to finance his relocation. Now living in North Carolina, he works for Woodmasters of Thomasville, adding decorative carving to furniture and accessories. He remains concerned about his mother, who survived the recent military conflict but who lacks appropriate diabetes medicine. One of his brothers, also diabetic, died after using expired, black-market insulin. Most recently, his other brother, who took care of their mother, died of a heart attack. As a concerned son, he is trying to get permission to visit his mother. If he leaves this country without appropriate permission, he will not be able to re-enter. Such concerns are shared with Sister Margaret Mertens, CDP, in phone calls from this former resident of La Posada. He also shares his joys-buying a car and a home, and plans for an October wedding to a woman he met in North Carolina. He reports that work has been slow as a result of the soft economy; occasionally, he gets laid off during the slower periods. After more than five years with legal immigrant status, he still awaits his permanent-resident card, a step toward eventual U.S. citizenship. In short, he has dedicated himself to becoming a responsible, productive citizen; yet, he confesses that he faces prejudice on a daily basis. To his credit, he feels strongly about the proper manner in which to handle negative remarks and the various biased opinions he encounters. He refrains from responding defensively; instead, he reminds himself of all the good experiences he's had, and he strives to focus on his newly-gained freedoms and privileges. He asks Sister Margaret to counsel the clients about such experiences, and to recommend to them that they have patience. He suggests that it is most important that the refugees remember and be grateful to the people who have helped them through their resettlement journeys.
A Special Reunion The La Posada family has been blessed to witness the reunion of Mr. A, an asylee from Guatemala , with his wife and daughter. The family had been separated for three years-since before their daughter was born-while they waited for their petition for the spouse and child to join Mr. A, a former resident of La Posada. In Guatemala, Mr. A was in training to become a police officer, specializing in drug enforcement, when he uncovered corrupt acts by members of the government. Fearing his life was in danger, he fled the country and came to the United States . He spent more than a year at La Posada while he was in the immigration process. "Monica (Rasmussen, La Posada client coordinator) was very kind...always worried about my appointments," Mr. A says. "She made sure I got things right with immigration...Without their help I would be without my family still." Mr. A has been granted his asylum and is now working as a truck driver in California . He and his wife are in the process of purchasing a house. "I'm very happy now in America," Mr. A says. "I have a better life, and I'm making good friends. I'm thinking about becoming a member of the (La Posada) board, in order to help others, as they helped me." This joyful reunion is a poignant reminder of our mission. |
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