============================================================== To reach ALL SJD members, please send to sjd@satjadham.net ... Do NOT include any other addresses when sending to the list... Include as LITTLE of the original messages as possible........ Message sent by: Amphephone Phettaphong *** Announcement: *** Please register for SatJaDham Fifth Annual conference at the website http://www.satjadham.org/sjd5sd/ ============================================================== Sabaidee thook qon, Wow! Can't believe it, its St. Patrick's day and guess what? Its Friday, too. Weekend was an hour away, can't wait to get home and watch that basketball games. I wish, I can do that though but unfortunately I have to work. Anyway, welcome new member... Along, I have a story for everyone to read for the weekend. I believe that this story that you're about to read, it may related to your very own experience. Anyway, I won't spoil the fun. Wanna know? Gotta read yourself... THE REFUGEE The plane landed in JFK International Airport in a night when it had the first snow storm to start the winter. While the plane taxied to its assigned gate, he looked through the window and saw snow flying beautifully. Even though he had just had a tiredly long flight, the beauty scenes of the New York city at night and the snow that’s falling like a cotton in the wind brought him back the strength. He realized that the sky in a snow storm seemed lower with the white cloud and the city was sure brighter with lights reflected by the white (snow and cloud). And, he wished that his life would soon be such bright and beautiful. The baggage claim area was crowded and noisy with people walking back and forth. However, he stood alone in a corner like a person in a different world. Actually, he did not have anything (to claim) beside a big yellow envelope which he always held in hands. Still, he had to follow other passengers here because he did not know what to do. He really did not want to get himself lost which might upset his sponsor. His sponsor's name was strange (to him) with an American surname, Phonexay Kenneth. Although he had been a little surprise back in the refugee camp when he first learned about the name, he wasn't happier to have a fellow Laotian as his sponsor. However, those around him (in the camp) had exchanged conversations about his luck. To them, his sponsor could at least speak Lao’s language and should understand a newcomer better. As a result, he should not have any difficulty on seeking help (for his needs) and his life in the new country would have been easier. He had not given any thought about that, but he now agreed (with them) at the first moment coming to America. And, the thought made him happy and brought his self- confidence back. A voice suddenly raised loud when he was deep in the thought. He looked around and found that 25 other refugees were staring at an American man who was about 25 years old. Still, none had moved or said anything. The man, who seemed to be getting used to that situation, repeated what he had just said with a smile on his face. "ICM refugees stand here", the man said slower in the second time. He and others then walked over and stood close to the man, who waited patiently for everyone to settle down and explained why none of their sponsors had come. First, the man introduced himself as an ICM volunteer and said that the sudden storm had had traffic jams all over the city. That caused him to come late and so did their sponsors. The volunteer spoke in a clear voice and kept pointing the finger to the snow outside to make them understand. "Your sponsors will be here soon", the volunteer finally assured them. He and other refugees came from a "warm" country (where the snow never exists); therefore, they were still happy to see the snow regardless of the bad side. He, however, was deeply touched by the enthusiasm of the volunteer who had tried so hard to get to the airport and calmed them. He would like to say thanks but his close-mouthed disposition prevented him from going forward. At last, he just mumbled the word "thank you" so low that even those (refugees)stood next to him could not hear it. "You're a leader of our group", the woman, who sat next to him on the plane with her 2 small children, suddenly spoke to him in a low whisper. He turned and looked at her. "I also lived in Zone One and knew you when we're still back in the camp", continued the woman. She was afraid she could not communicate with her American sponsor and begged him to stay (at the airport) if his showed up first. Although the woman didn't get the word out clearly, he could tell it through her face. And, he nodded his head in agreement. Sponsors came at different times. They were all American and after a little chat with the volunteer, they departed with their refugees. The woman and her 2 children had gone, too. There were only 8 refugees (him included) left with the volunteer and the airport got less and less crowded. And, while the volunteer talked on the phone, the refugees sat here and there waiting for their sponsor. At 8:00PM, the volunteer finally hung up the phone and asked them to sit on a row of chairs. "Your sponsor will come in 20 minutes", said the volunteer, who asked if they were tired and hungry. The volunteer also spoke about a lot of things; the weather in Washington DC, the new life in the US.... Though he did not understand them all, he knew the most important thing. He and the other 7 had the same sponsor, Phonexay Kenneth. Their sponsor finally came and they were all surprised because he was young (about 25 years old) and in an expensive suit (of clothes). Anyway, they were really happy to see him. The volunteer shook hands with each and everyone of them refugees (like he did to others earlier) and wished them luck before they headed out to the parking lot with their sponsor. And, the snow fell harder on their way home. After 2 hours in the storm, the sponsor finally got them to an apartment building and each was asked to get a blanket from the back of the van before they all got off. The sponsor also carried a big bag and led them to an apartment on the second floor. And, when they were all inside, each was given 20 dollars with very few instruction and the sponsor headed back out with a return promise in tomorrow sometime. They all understood at the time that there was a big snow storm and the sponsor rushed home with his family. An unfurnished 2-bedroom apartment had a big living room, a kitchen and a bathroom. Although the apartment did not have anything beside the big bag and 8 blankets (which were just brought in), they were still satisfied with what they had then (life of a refugee had taught them not to ask for more than what they really need to live for another day). The bag had some food, sodas, plastic folks, paper cups & plates, toothpaste and brushes. And, they together brought food and sodas out to celebrate the first night in America after a short discussion. In celebration, they did not forget to praise their sponsor and his new van. They also exchanged wishes and found out about one another. And through the party, they all knew that he was the oldest with 22 years and 6 months (old). Si was 22, Lai and Phu were 21, Meo and Sukhan were 20, Sone was 19 and Tuy was 18 years old. The party ended sometime after midnight and they went to bed into 4 groups. Each had 2 guys with 2 blankets; one was spread like a mat and the other to cover. However, the blanket was too small for two and it was too thin to keep them warm in a cold night (the apartment had no heat). They all finally had to sit together with each covered with a blanket in a corner of the living room (away from windows). Si tried to light up 4 gas ovens (in the kitchen) with his wet match box and did not succeed it until the next to last match. And, they all gathered around the oven and drowsed through the first night in the US. The storm stopped sometime in the next afternoon and they were out of food. They had been waiting for the sponsor since early that morning but there was no sign of anyone on the street below. They decided to shop around for food. And, he and 2 youngest guys were assigned to stay home in case the sponsor came. The other 5, who had better and warmer clothes, went out to buy food. Five musketeers came back in 2 hours and the result was very optimistic. They even bought 2 small cooking pots, 2 cases of beer and a carton of cigarettes beside food. And, it was dark again when they finished the very late lunch. There was still no sign of the sponsor and they decided to drink beer while wait. They suddenly heard music from the apartment below and decided to go down to get warm (4 gas ovens had been turned on since the night before and they were afraid to run out of gas). He was assigned to knock at the door. "What do you guys want", asked the African American behind the door with only a T-shirt on. He tried to explain (to the man) that their apartment was too cold and they needed some- where to warm up. The man closed the door without saying a word. While they were disappointed and didn't know what to do next, the man came out with a pair of pliers and a small plastic barrel. And, they were explained how to warm the apartment up (by releasing cold water in water-heat pipes). "Your apartment will be warm in few hours", the man said and left. Although they were not convinced at the time, they still thanked the man very much and they found out (through the man) that they were no longer in the New York city, but the State of New Jersey. In fact, the apartment was warm that night and they turned the oven off after cooking dinner. They all drank beer again and Si suggested that they bought 2 more cases of beer along with some food for another party. Although they all agreed that the sponsor would sure have come tomorrow (and they didn't have to save much money), He and the youngest guy, Tuy, did not want to spend the rest (of money) on beer. However, there were six in agreement and willing to go shopping. As a result, the two who disagreed stayed home. It only took them less than half an hour that time to walk back and forth and they had nothing, but 23 cents which he got from Si after the second shopping. He and Tuy refused to celebrate that night and went to bed early. And, it was snowing again before he fell into a sleep. He got up the next morning while party attendants were still sleeping in 2 bedrooms and Tuy did the clean up in the kitchen. He took a shower and helped Tuy put away (beer) cans laying here and there in the living room. They both finished at the time the other Six got up and they all sat flat on the floor chatting while they waited for the sponsor to come. However, the sponsor did not show up that day and they didn't have anything, but 23 cents. They started to get hungry again and every- one had been sitting mute like a statue. None cared to say anything for a while. Finally, he broke the ice "I have a friend who may live close here", he said. "How do you know that?", asked Sone. "I looked at the map when we're still back in (the refugee) camp", he replied. We're no longer in the New York City, but 2 hours away", said Si. "Well, we didn't go fast in snow and may not be that far (from the NY)", insisted Lai. "Your friend also lives in New Jersy", asked Tuy. "No, he's in Buffalo, NY but we now have only 23 cents", he said. He wanted to make a phone call but was afraid to lose their last few cents. Si then drew any of his hesitation away. "Well, we can't do anything with 23 cents anyway, can we???" To be continue... Part II Good weekend everyone, Amp _____________________________________________________________ Email Powered by Everyone.net _ ***************************************************************** Visit SatJaDham Homepage at: http://www.satjadham.org (or .net) *****************************************************************