CHAPTER 1

The Arrival of the Reh Family

We have been anticipating the arrival of the Reh family for a week.  They are Burmese, coming from a refugee camp in Thailand.  Father:  Nga, 33 was a primary teacher in the camp;  Mother:  Kay Meh, 28; sons:  Klay Leh, 10 and Bu Neh,5; daughters:  Alizaeth Meh, 7 and Say Reh, 1 arrived Monday, June 8.

It was quite a sight. Coming down the ramp at Terminal 4 was an entourage of men, women with babies and other children with their Lutheran Social Services caseworkers.  Who belonged to our family?  They finally got sorted out and there they were-beautiful, tired, a bit confused but smiling.  We had balloons and a stuffed animal for each child.  We were quite a sight going through the airport, baggage and to the cars.

This arrival of refugees was made up of 3 families, the Reh family and a very elderly couple sponsored by Lutheran Social Services and another family sponsored by another refugee agency.

When everyone arrived at the apartment at Thomas and 48th street, a hobby horse greeted the children outside the front door.  Before entering, 6 pairs of new sneakers were lined up outside the door.  They carried 3 large woven bags with all their earthly belongings.  The children found the toy box, the rice was cooking and the rotisserie chicken was heating in the microwave.

Before the meal, everyone washed their hands, dad made the sign of the cross at the table and the meal was devoured!  They speak no English but hand signals and laughter managed to get communications across.

The family received $150 from Lutheran Social Services.  Orientation to the apartment, neighborhood and immediate needs would take place the next day.

They were home.

Living Water Lutheran Church has made a commitment to Lutheran Social Services to sponsor the Reh family.  We will see that they have food for the first week and provide clothing and other necessities for 30 days.  We will keep contact and care for at least  90 days.  The objective is to help the Reh family become independent as quickly as possible.

Thank you to all friends and members of Living Water who made it possible to provide a home with furnishings and financial support for the Reh family.  This congregation is a blessing to so many people.  We really are mission minded.