Monday, November 12, 2012

Something For Which to be Thankful: A New Home

“He who can give thanks for little will always find he has enough.”  - Anonymous

This year, Andrei and his family will celebrate their first Thanksgiving living in the United States. Andrei was just 12 years old when the Soviet Union fell and his country of Moldova gained independence. However, with a lack of infrastructure, jobs were scarce, and available jobs paid such low wages that most families lived below the poverty line. Andrei, his wife, and his three children lived as best they could in this environment; however, Andrei’s heart was breaking as he envisioned his children’s future. He dreamed that one day he might be able to provide a safe home for his family.

On February 8, 2012, with the help of Catholic Charities, Andrei and his family arrived in Indianapolis with a few suitcases and a new lease on life.

The family was assisted with all the necessary resources to start their lives again; including food, financial support, medical appointments, English classes and employment training. Additionally, Andrei’s children were all enrolled in school. Andrei became teary-eyed while recounting it all—he said, “People are so giving here.”  

Andrei is currently working and is delighted to provide for his family. He expressed his deep gratitude for his new life here, pausing for a moment, smiling, and simply offering:  “It’s great.”

Second Corinthians 9:15 says, “Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift.”

What indescribable gifts are you thankful for today?

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