Helping & Learning
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Marlene Schroeder
Our Friend a Family Support Groups remain busy assisting recently arrived Afghan refugee families who are from remote rural areas as well as the busy urban centers of Afghanistan. Some speak little or no English while other are college educated and speak English well. Regardless, all are challenged by the transition to life in this country.
Getting around St. Louis without a car can be a huge challenge and so acquiring a vehicle and getting a driver’s license is a primary goal. Presently, several are enrolled in our Driver’s Education class and some have even obtained their license! Completing a job application, learning our banking system and paying bills electronically may be even greater challenges. And our medical and health insurance systems are complicated.
One of our Friend a Family Support Group shares their experience: “After completing the necessary paperwork, background checks and training sessions, we were assigned to an Afghan refugee family in early February– a young married couple and their infant daughter. They had only recently arrived in St. Louis and were faced with adjusting to a new and strange environment.
In the weeks that have passed, we have faced obvious challenges but have also experienced unexpected joys and blessings! The young father found a job and is looking for additional part-time hours. A coworker offered to help with transportation to and from work. Many of the family’s basic living needs have been met due to the generosity of fellow Christians who wanted to share their bounty.
Our family is very grateful for all the support and encouragement that CFNA and others have given us as we seek to share God’s love with this young refugee family.”
Engaging with a refugee family brings with it joys, challenges and discovery. It also provides some lessons learned, including the surprising coherence and resilience of these families. Additionally, many of us have come to see how highly they value relationships, as is evidenced by their wonderful hospitality, kindness, and gratitude.
Like the rest of us, they just want their families to be safe and prosper. Despite language barriers, they are easy to get to know and equally easy to like. We can’t help but love them!
By Marlene Schroeder
Coordinator, Friend a Family Ministry
