Help this Young Girl & Her Family
Donation protected
My name is Leslie Hershberger and last week, my friend, Rev. Paula Jackson, posted a story on Facebook about her friend, Hugo. As I read the story, I felt as if I'd been sucker punched. Here is what she wrote:
"My friend Hugo has been working day and night so that his wife and little girl could come back to the US to reunite their family. Tonight he finally was in Atlantla to welcome them. But at the airport, Immigration would not let them in. Cesia had the papers and said she was asking for asylum. But they would not let her stay. They would let the daughter stay, but only if she became a ward of the State of Georgia, separated then from both her mother and her father.
So, in unimaginable grief, and nearly bankrupting the family, they had to purchase tickets to send the mother and child back to Guatemala, to the extortion and violence they have been trying to escape. A family's dreams were crushed tonight. Please pray for them as they return, and for Hugo as he drives back to Cincinnati tomorrow, alone."
I have been reunited with my grandchild who was born in Central America while my daughter was working at a non-profit. I remember welcoming him home and experiencing the mix of joy and gratitude that he would be living here in the states along with the sadness that his Salvadoran family had to say goodbye to this beloved child. I wondered about families separated from one another who do not have the benefit of dual citizenship like my grandson.
I've visited these countries where families do their best to raise families in a climate of frightening violence. I have shared meals with them as they tell their stories of separated parents and children. I've experienced the sense of overwhelm and like many before me have wondered: "The problem is so huge. What can I do?"
So, like many of you, I've given myself over to the ripple effect which says:
"I alone cannot change the world. But I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples."
I wrote to Rev. Paula to ask if Hugo would accept money to pay the airfare. (You can't imagine the amount of time and work $2500 is to these families). Paula talked to Hugo who said he would want to respect Cesia's wishes. Cesia responded to Paula and is deeply touched that there are people who want to help.
The money will be put in the Church of Our Savior (La Iglesia de Nuestro Salvador) discretionary fund and Rev. Paula Jacksonwill see they are reimbursed. I trust her completely. Her integrity, advocacy and her commitment to dignity of immigrants is deep and wide.
No amount is too small.
Also, if you have a moment, please ask your congress person to please move to enact immigration reform, here is a link: http://cqrcengage.com/episcopal/app/write-a-letter?1&engagementId=77285#.VNQrbW-ITG8.facebook
If you'd like more information on immigration reform, here is the link to the American Immigration Council. My son worked at the council and I learned so many things from our conversations:
http://www.americanimmigrationcouncil.org/
Please give yourself over to the Ripple Effect and donate today. Deep bows of gratitude for your generosity.
"My friend Hugo has been working day and night so that his wife and little girl could come back to the US to reunite their family. Tonight he finally was in Atlantla to welcome them. But at the airport, Immigration would not let them in. Cesia had the papers and said she was asking for asylum. But they would not let her stay. They would let the daughter stay, but only if she became a ward of the State of Georgia, separated then from both her mother and her father.
So, in unimaginable grief, and nearly bankrupting the family, they had to purchase tickets to send the mother and child back to Guatemala, to the extortion and violence they have been trying to escape. A family's dreams were crushed tonight. Please pray for them as they return, and for Hugo as he drives back to Cincinnati tomorrow, alone."
I have been reunited with my grandchild who was born in Central America while my daughter was working at a non-profit. I remember welcoming him home and experiencing the mix of joy and gratitude that he would be living here in the states along with the sadness that his Salvadoran family had to say goodbye to this beloved child. I wondered about families separated from one another who do not have the benefit of dual citizenship like my grandson.
I've visited these countries where families do their best to raise families in a climate of frightening violence. I have shared meals with them as they tell their stories of separated parents and children. I've experienced the sense of overwhelm and like many before me have wondered: "The problem is so huge. What can I do?"
So, like many of you, I've given myself over to the ripple effect which says:
"I alone cannot change the world. But I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples."
I wrote to Rev. Paula to ask if Hugo would accept money to pay the airfare. (You can't imagine the amount of time and work $2500 is to these families). Paula talked to Hugo who said he would want to respect Cesia's wishes. Cesia responded to Paula and is deeply touched that there are people who want to help.
The money will be put in the Church of Our Savior (La Iglesia de Nuestro Salvador) discretionary fund and Rev. Paula Jacksonwill see they are reimbursed. I trust her completely. Her integrity, advocacy and her commitment to dignity of immigrants is deep and wide.
No amount is too small.
Also, if you have a moment, please ask your congress person to please move to enact immigration reform, here is a link: http://cqrcengage.com/episcopal/app/write-a-letter?1&engagementId=77285#.VNQrbW-ITG8.facebook
If you'd like more information on immigration reform, here is the link to the American Immigration Council. My son worked at the council and I learned so many things from our conversations:
http://www.americanimmigrationcouncil.org/
Please give yourself over to the Ripple Effect and donate today. Deep bows of gratitude for your generosity.
Organizer
Leslie Flood Hershberger
Organizer
Loveland, OH