Through the overwhelming love and generosity of our ICSJ Parish, our family of families, we were able to add one more very special family!
After months of meetings beginning in 2016 with a small group from our parish and representatives from Catholic Charities, we learned the steps and time frame for sponsoring a very well vetted refugee family. We discussed the need for raising the necessary funds, and then we finally received word that there was an Afghan family of six for us to sponsor!
On Wednesday March 29th, four of us, representing all of you, hopped the Blue Line to O’Hare and headed to the International Terminal. We knew their 14-hour Emirates flight from Dubai had landed (they had a 10-hour layover after their flight from Afghanistan), but we didn’t know how long it would take them to clear Customs.
The excitement mounted as we chatted with the Case Worker from Catholic Charities, as well as with the sister and brother-in-law of our family. He’s been in the U.S. since the 1980s; she’s been here 14 years. The sisters hadn’t seen each other in that time. She was eager to meet her brother-in-law, nephews (10, 8, 3), and niece (6).
When they appeared, there was palpable joy—love, smiles, and hugs needing no words. The kids had never flown before, and they clung to their goodie bags with great glee.
They were then taken to Skokie to stay with their sister while their new apartment was painted and furnished. It’s also in Skokie, a short bus ride away. Normally, we’d do the setup, but the family wanted to help. Catholic Charities gives them time to catch their breath before reconnecting with our parish.
The father speaks English, and with family nearby, the transition should be easier.
What we are and what we did is in keeping with the Gospel and fulfills the wishes of Pope Francis and Cardinal Cupich to welcome immigrants warmly.