This month, in celebration of World Refugee Month, we are sharing stories that highlight the strength, resilience, and courage of the men, women, and children who have called Jonathan House their home through the years.
Ayantu fled her home country for her safety, leaving her two small children with her mother. Her husband had attacked her with acid while she was sleeping and faced no legal consequences. This left her with visible scars on her face, neck, and arms. When we first met her, she expressed feeling ashamed about her scars and being afraid to eat publicly with others, afraid of how others might react to her.
On her move-in day to Jonathan House, other residents warmly welcomed her with hugs. A faithful volunteer dropped by with a gift bag and embraced her. Ayantu was moved to tears by the warm welcome she received.
Later that day, when I thanked the volunteer, she responded, “You are sooo welcome! It was nice to meet her…I had tears in my eyes as I drove home. Thank you for what you do, allowing us to walk along these dear children of God.”
They made me forget my scars…
A few days later Ayantu joined us for her first community meal, in which members of the community are invited to join Jonathan House staff and residents for brunch. She came with a face mask and later removed it. Afterwards, she commented, “They made me forget my scars. I could feel that everybody there loved each other.”
One of my favorite memories of Ayantu is of her inviting me to join her for lunch that she had prepared. As we sat and ate together, we didn’t have lots of common language, so we found other ways to communicate. We showed each other photos of our families on our phones. She proudly showed me a photo of her beautiful children back home that she loves and misses. I felt privileged to be welcomed into her world.
Over the months, she has settled in, developed relationships with her housemates, started taking English classes, made plans for upcoming surgery, and has renewed hope for her future. It is a joy to see her smile!
I feel an indescribable peace…
Recently she said, “I feel an indescribable peace when I am at home (at Jonathan house)…Though there are things that stress me out, I feel that I am able to find joy and purpose in my life. I feel that I have created a family here where I have love and support…Wherever I go, I feel that I have the confidence to say that I have a home that I can go to.”
She also shared, “Coming to Jonathan House has changed my life so far. Before coming here, I used to regret living life, and now I’m loving life, because of the love you show me.”
Your support of Jonathan House has helped Ayantu find shelter, hope, and healing. Thank you for your financial and prayer support which has enabled Ayantu and others to move forward with hope!
Written by: Linda Lang, Resident Support Coordinator