Parishioners Andy Platt and Emmanuel Aronie interviewed six Good Shepherd members about their immigrant stories. They came from Palestine, England, Nigeria, India, and Cuba for reasons that ranged from seeking new opportunities to escaping persecution. The full video was played during our Immigrant Sunday service. Below you’ll find excerpts from each interview.
At age three Rafael fled Cuba with his family as political refugees after their lives were threatened by Castro's communist dictatorship.
Dawn was born in Saudi Arabia of Palestinian parents. She came to the US when she was 2 years old for her father to attend graduate school.
Obi was born in Nigeria. He came to the US in his late twenties to pursue a post graduate medical education.
Bev came to the US from England at age 32 for her husband’s education and subsequent work in international health.
Jorge left Cuba in 1959 at age 12 to come alone to the US for school. Because of the political situation in Cuba, in 1961 he sought refugee status, always feeling it was temporary. 58 years later, he is still here!
When Jason and Felishia were living in India, their work required tremendous travel especially to the US. In 1998 they decided to move to the U.S. for a better work and living experience.
