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Reflections from a former refugee

11/20/2015

 
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In the light of recent events I have spent a lot of time reflecting on my journey from a refugee camp to the United States.  Many people wonder about what it was like to come to America over 14 years ago and get a second chance at life.  In short, my future was rewritten in an instant! But, I would really like to share what I imagined of America and how the realities surprised me.  
    As I say in my book, as a refugee in Kenya, I imagined that America was next to heaven!  America was a place that even the richest and most powerful could not reach - in some sense going to America would have been as impossible as travelling to Mars.  I imagined America to be a utopia.  To me, Africa seemed a continent full of violence and turmoil. After seeing the devastation of war across so many African countries and observing life in the refugee camp, I felt trapped in the fight for survival.  There were moments of joy amidst the pain, but I wanted so badly to go to a place without sin and without violence where there was not reason to be afraid.  In my essay to the U.S. embassy cataloging my life story I remember writing: "I do not feel safe here.  I have nobody to take care of me. I want to have a new life in America."  

But when I arrived in the U.S., speaking essentially no English, I thought that there had been a terrible mistake.  From all of the training I had received in Kenya I was told that I would be joining the workforce to make a living to survive in America on my own.  I expected to be taken to a factory.  But at the airport a family waited for me carrying a sign - "Welcome Home!".  I was taken to what looked like a mansion and I kept looking for the servant's quarters...but instead they gave me my own bedroom, my own soccer ball, and my own bike - I had never had any of these before in my life.  I was dreading the day when they realized that a mistake had been made and that I did not belong here with them.  When I started running Cross Country I felt a lot of pressure to prove to my family that I was worthy of representing them. 
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After about 6 weeks when I started feeling comfortable with English my parents took me out on a boat ride on the lake (my Dad was determined that I would learn to love the water since we lived on Otisco Lake). This was the first time I told my story.  This was also when I realized that the Rogers were really my family.  My life in America was not just one of hard work, but also a rediscovery of childhood!  Despite the fact that in many ways I knew nothing about America at the age of 16, I knew that I had been given a most amazing gift.  I belonged in my new family and I belonged to a country.  It didn't change the fact that I wanted to represent family and country with every effort and make them proud.  I still strive to do that everyday!
I give constant thanks to the family who pushed through all challenges to bring me and my 5 adopted brothers to the US. They are a blessing and there is no replacement for the love of family! Even more, I thank the American people for opening up their arms to a refugee. That's why we are a great country - a nation of all people! And that is why we have so much to be proud of. 
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I want to share support now and in the future for all of the refugees searching for a new life and a freedom from war!   
To hear more about my story please read Running for My Life.  
Running Tip #15: A healthy body is essential for training. Listen to your body during training and make sure that you promote recovery - healthy food, stretching, and most importantly sleep! 
Diane
11/20/2015 04:22:55 am

I wish all refugees that came here would love our country as much as you do.

Anita Welych
11/20/2015 10:57:03 am

I have NEVER met a refugee in the United States who was not extremely grateful for the opportunity. All have been 10000% loyal to our country - some have even served in the military.
We have to understand that for some, learning a new language is difficult (especially the elderly, like my great-aunt from Colombia), and some arrive severely traumatized. It may take them time to find their place. But ALL are grateful.
We must continue to open our hearts and doors to those who suffer - if we had not, in this instance, we would have missed out on a fantastic new citizen!

Mary Holland
11/20/2015 04:00:22 pm

Lopez, you and your brothers were a gift to the Tully community. You brought an awareness to our quiet little corner of the world of the struggles of others and made us realize how truely blessed we are in this counrty. We are so proud of you and your accomplishments!

Sherry vonriesen
11/20/2015 10:57:33 pm

This is why I love you so much...the love you give to others. Also Lopez I have the soccer balls at the OTC still waiting for you💕


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    Lopez Lomong

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