Hello, my name is Lea and I want to tell you about my neighbors. A month or so ago, a new family of 9 moved in across the street from us. One morning I had just pulled into my driveway after going to buy a $6 coffee from Dutch Bros (insert eyeroll). I see a man and what appears to be his elderly father and a sweet little boy smiling ear to ear and walking across the street to speak with me. I learn that they are from Kabul, Afghanistan and they had escaped the Taliban. They told me how their case worker told them in America, they should knock on their neighbors doors and introduce themselves.... so sweet!

Over the past month here is what I learned about this endearing family. The man's name is Yama. Yama was a fighter pilot in Kabul. He worked closely with many of our US military men and women. The Taliban were after him and his family as well. They were in hiding and finally escaped Kabul leaving many loved ones and all of their possessions and money behind. They ended up seeking safety in Germany and after just a few days they were flown to Washington DC where their family shared a hotel room for a week. They were then sent to AZ and stayed in a hotel for 6 months in Chandler! They were waiting for a home large enough for the 9 of them. They are now my neighbors in Surprise, AZ.

The family of 9 consists of the father- Yama, his wife Diana (who is now 2.5 months pregnant), their 2 children Selsela age 4 and Elyas age 5, Diana's brother, Yama's 2 sisters- Soma and Salma, and the 2 sweet and caring grandparents (who love to feed my family and I authentic and delicious Afghan food and insist I've never had enough to eat.) This family has been trying their hardest to get back on their feet. Yama, Diana, Soma, and Salma are all highly-educated individuals where they come from. They all attended University and among them they are pilots and teachers, Soma worked as an attorney general, and Diana was a Pharmacist. Although they are very caring and intelligent individuals, finding a job in the U.S has been extremely difficult. They need reliable transportation in order to secure a job.

Recently, Yama was swindled into purchasing a $1,500 8 cylinder vehicle from an individual that did not have his best interests at heart. After taking the vehicle to a reliable mechanic, it will need roughly $6,000 or more to safely run on the road and be safe for the children. This family has been through so much and have very little, yet they have invited my family into their home and fed us on several occasions. They treat my two little boys as their own and keep watchful eyes on them as they play with Selsela and Elyas, always making sure to give them treats while they are there. Both of my boys now consider Elyas their best friend<3

Today we learned this family has 1.5 months left of specific assistance through the gov't. They must find transportation and jobs. I want to help them. I want to keep them as my neighbors. I want them to find hope. Please help me raise funds to help them obtain a reliable car! The state gave them a bus pass, but put them in a home in Surprise where it is a 1.5 hour walk to the nearest bus stop! Pure insanity. Let's help this family get on their feet, or should I say get on the road, so they can get to work as that is what these hard working individuals want to do!