My name is Faisal Mohamed Awale. I’m a refugee from Somalia. I’ve been in the United States since 2012. The government in Somalia broke up in 1991. From 1991-2012 Somalia has been without a government, which caused a civil war to break out in my country. Things were bad and people were hungry. A friend of mine offered to give me four trucks of free food if I handled the distribution. I contacted leaders of churches and lands to organize the distributing of food. Because we didn’t get money from selling the food, some people got angry because me and my friend gave the food away. Even when there is good going on, evil is always around. The evil people threatened our lives. My parents told me to leave now and that they would take care of my six children. I left Somalia in haste. I left Somalia on December 15, 2007. My friend was killed for wanting to help the people of Somalia. I went to one of our neighboring countries called Uganda. There, I was a man with only one leg, traveling by myself, with no parents, no children and no family. I decided to leave because of death threats, but also so that I could have a better life for me and my children. In Uganda I was given asylum. Even in Uganda as a refugee there was hunger. As rations, we were given for a month: 1.5 kg of maize, 1.8 kg of beans, 1.2 kg of csp (like cornmeal), .6 kg of oil and .15 kg of salt, not much for a month’s supply. Because I was a man with a plan for my life, I was driven; driven to succeed and prosper for my children. While in Uganda, I opened a shop. I sold food and goods to the people.
After being in Uganda for years, I was given the opportunity to come to the United States of America. I remember the first time someone said, “You will come to the United States of America”. All I could do was clap my hands. The plane ride I believe was 28 hours. We went from Kenya to Holland, to New York, and finally to Indianapolis, Indiana. We were helped by Catholic Charities immediately.
NOW I'M IN A NEW WORLD!
Catholic Charities helped me with housing, medical, education, transportation and also with the process of looking for a job! The staff at Catholic Charities has been wonderful!!! They have been helping me to bring my family here to the United States. I want to thank Catholic Charities for all that they have done for me, and Mr. Tim who has used his time to help me a lot. So I say to Mr. Tim, God Bless You!!
Catholic Charities helped me with housing, medical, education, transportation and also with the process of looking for a job! The staff at Catholic Charities has been wonderful!!! They have been helping me to bring my family here to the United States. I want to thank Catholic Charities for all that they have done for me, and Mr. Tim who has used his time to help me a lot. So I say to Mr. Tim, God Bless You!!
I want to thank the United States government for accepting me to be brought here. I thank President Obama for opening the door to refugees, like me.
When I got here, I didn’t understand the English language. Now, I’m a student in the process of getting my GED. I was just offered the chance to take advanced courses in English and Math. Not bad!! I hesitated to talk to people in person or on the phone. Now, I don’t hesitate and I talk for some of my other brothers and sisters. When I got here I was using crutches. Now, I’m walking on two legs. I have my prosthetic leg. I’m a NEW MAN according to what I used to be. I have a job and I’m awaiting the arrival of my children soon! On behalf of my children Mohamed, Sadak, Abdikadir, Said, Samiya, Hani and me, Faisal, I want to say Thank You!!! So, I’m very happy to live in America and let me be the friend to everyone.
* This letter was read at our 3rd Annual World Refugee Day Dinner. Faisal was also recognized at the dinner as Refugee of the Year.
