I was browsing through the Harmony Refugee Services twitter feed this morning (@harmonyrefugees) and came across a youtube link. It was a video of a Liberian Refugee auditioning for American Idol. The young man, Romeo, shared his story and then sang his song. His talent and passion were contagious, and the judges sent him on to Hollywood to the next round. The video certainly brightened my day, and I promptly retweeted it, hoping that it would brighten the day of others who are serving refugees.
You see, sometimes it’s hard to remember those success stories. Many of us work with people every day who are hurting. Some have lost hope, some are scared. Some are longing for the homeland they left behind. Others are content in their new home, but are struggling to make ends meet. Some are dealing with chronic medical issues as a result of brutal mistreatment in their countries of origin. Others are haunted by the trauma of their past and the things they have seen. For those families in the throes of hardship, discouragement is a constant companion.
That discouragement is not lost on those of us working with refugee families either. I hurt for the clients I work with and the stories I hear. Our clients are dealing with trauma many of us can’t even fathom, coupled with finding employment and sustainment in a recessive economy. Its complicated, difficult, and frustrating.
But stories like Romeo’s make me smile. He’s a voice for the newest Americans, the newest faces of those escaping persecution to find a better life. Kinda sounds like the pilgrims, doesn’t it? And Romeo isn’t alone. I met a medical assistant at a doctor’s appointment a couple years ago. He was a ‘lost boy’, a refugee from Sudan. He called me his sister after I told him that I had been to his country and we shared stories about the beauty and uniqueness of Southern Sudan. He had an infectious smile and a positive attitude. I also remember the privilege I had in 2010 to attend a ceremony for new citizens. The pride that these Americans had was amazing. Later that same month I was able to take part in teaching these new Americans how to advocate for issues at the Georgia Capitol. Incredible was the only way to describe it. Others have gone on to own businesses, complete their education, and to advocate for their people. There are so many more success stories, too many to list.
We are in the process of figuring out some logistics and finances here at Harmony. Its forced us to greatly cut back our services for the time being. It’s not a decision we are happy with, but in the long term we hope to enhance and improve our services to the refugee population in Atlanta. But through the discouragement and the setbacks, I remember Romeo, and the countless others who we strive to serve. We are doing this for them, for their good, so that they will be able to reach their full potential and find fulfillment in their new home. They are our motivation, and we will prevail.
