Elijah's Journey: Connecting Family
Donation protected
Within the past 2 weeks we have exceeded our goal for Elijah and his family! We are truly amazed by the show of love and care for Elijah on behalf of his Thrivent co-workers and friends. Thank you all for your generous support!
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5,600 miles is a long way to be separated from your parents, siblings, loved ones, traditions and culture.
When tragedy strikes, the distance feels even farther and your need to connect with, give, and gather support from loved ones grows even stronger.
At a young age, Elijah left Liberia to build a life in Minneapolis, MN. He travelled the 5,600 miles with the hope of providing financial support to the family members remaining in Liberia. He attended school, secured multiple jobs and eventually married and had a son, all the while remaining closely tied to his Liberian roots and sending home whatever funds he could.
Elijah received tragic news from Liberia. His sister, Yanger, died due to complications from childbirth. She leaves behind a husband and four children, including a newborn boy, named Destin. Elijah was unable to attend the funeral – which occurred days after his sister’s death – and is still coping with the news while trying to support his extended family from afar.
Family means everything to Elijah, and he is relied upon for guidance, leadership and sponsorship. Elijah is playing a key role in coordinating the care and well-being of his sister’s four children. Elijah has convinced his mother to become the guardian for the newborn baby, Destin, and is doing what we can to get his mother prepared for this unexpected new role. His mother lives in Liberia, not far from his sister’s children, but has little to no resources to care for an infant.
Help us raise the funds for Elijah to travel to Liberia to establish care for his nephew, support his extended family, and mourn the loss of his sister. If we reach our goal, we will be able to not only provide financial support for his sister's surviving family, but also allow Elijah to return to Liberia to meet his nephew and grieve with his Liberian family.
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A heartfelt thank you for your financial donations!
We've reached our initial goal of $5,000 and would like to continue to raise funds for Elijah and his family. The funds raised will go towards:
- Elijah's flight to Liberia,
- Financial support for his sister's surviving family,
- Infant formula, clothes and supplies for baby Destin,
- Shipping costs to send supplies that are not available in Liberia, and
- Lost wages due to travel.
********************************************************************************
5,600 miles is a long way to be separated from your parents, siblings, loved ones, traditions and culture.
When tragedy strikes, the distance feels even farther and your need to connect with, give, and gather support from loved ones grows even stronger.
At a young age, Elijah left Liberia to build a life in Minneapolis, MN. He travelled the 5,600 miles with the hope of providing financial support to the family members remaining in Liberia. He attended school, secured multiple jobs and eventually married and had a son, all the while remaining closely tied to his Liberian roots and sending home whatever funds he could.
Elijah received tragic news from Liberia. His sister, Yanger, died due to complications from childbirth. She leaves behind a husband and four children, including a newborn boy, named Destin. Elijah was unable to attend the funeral – which occurred days after his sister’s death – and is still coping with the news while trying to support his extended family from afar.
Family means everything to Elijah, and he is relied upon for guidance, leadership and sponsorship. Elijah is playing a key role in coordinating the care and well-being of his sister’s four children. Elijah has convinced his mother to become the guardian for the newborn baby, Destin, and is doing what we can to get his mother prepared for this unexpected new role. His mother lives in Liberia, not far from his sister’s children, but has little to no resources to care for an infant.
Help us raise the funds for Elijah to travel to Liberia to establish care for his nephew, support his extended family, and mourn the loss of his sister. If we reach our goal, we will be able to not only provide financial support for his sister's surviving family, but also allow Elijah to return to Liberia to meet his nephew and grieve with his Liberian family.
***************************************************
A heartfelt thank you for your financial donations!
We've reached our initial goal of $5,000 and would like to continue to raise funds for Elijah and his family. The funds raised will go towards:
- Elijah's flight to Liberia,
- Financial support for his sister's surviving family,
- Infant formula, clothes and supplies for baby Destin,
- Shipping costs to send supplies that are not available in Liberia, and
- Lost wages due to travel.
Organizer and beneficiary
Nicky Taylor
Organizer
Minneapolis, MN
Elijah Zina
Beneficiary
