Imagine, if you can, being forced to flee your homeland. You must leave behind everyone you love and all that is familiar to you. You are homeless, without a country, without a family, without your friends, and with no means to control your future.
After several years, you are given an
opportunity to settle in a land thousands of miles away. The people there do
not speak your language. Their customs and etiquette are strange. The weather
is more brutal than anything you have ever imagined or believe you can ever
grow accustomed to.
Twelve years ago, Bol Garang arrived
in Syracuse as that stranger in a new world. Yet, in the midst of such
hardships, the community of St. David’s welcomed him as one of its own.
It would be difficult to
overestimate the impact that the people of St. David’s have had on Bol and his
family. From sponsoring Bol’s arrival in 2000, to rejoicing in the arrival of
Agaw and Deng and later, Garang and Little Bol, this community has provided a
backbone of support to the Garang family.
For example, two years ago, Agaw
suffered a serious health crisis. As a result, she was hospitalized for several
weeks and unable to care for the boys who were then 1, 3 and 5. Like any loving
family would do when one of its members is in need, this community immediately
sprang into action. Many people volunteered their time and resources, providing
everything from childcare and meals to laundry services and groceries, while
others gave monetary support to the Garangs until Agaw became well.
Jesus tells us that when two or more
are gathered in His name, God is in our midst. For St. David’s and the Garang
family, God made His presence known through our action and commitment to care
for one another. We are also told that man may find obstacles that are
insurmountable; yet, all things are possible with God. In this case, our
collective efforts have made this true.
I pray that we all will continue to
provide such support and efforts in the days and years to come.
Louise Thurlow
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