A Dream Come True

Periodically the Refugee Program receives a donated car from someone in the community. Clients fill out applications of who would like to receive this car, and whoever is picked receives a free car. Since being in my position I have helped give 4 clients new cars. Out of everything that I do this is one of the most rewarding activities. The clients are always SO excited. They feel so blessed and it is always a reality check for me to remember to never take my own car for granted. A few weeks ago we got the word about a donated car and began the process of picking a client to receive the car. I went back and forth on who to pick and one day a coworker mentioned to me an asylee client. I hadn't thought of this client before but once she mentioned his name I knew that he was the perfect person to receive a car. Unlike a refugee, an asylee is an individual who has essentially come to the United States on their own accord and sought refuge once they are here. I first met Patrick several months ago after he had received his offical asylum status. Since then he has been a regular in my office, at first just popping in to say hello and get help and information, but it didn't take long and he was volunteering his time to clean our company cars and help move furniture. He has never stopped being grateful for any help he was to receive. I called him last week to let him know he was chosen to receive a car and was so confused by this over the phone he came into the office to confirm that what he thought he had heard was true!
Yesterday, Patrick, an asylee from Kenya received a car! He was so excited. He escaped Kenya several years ago after being imprisioned and physically harmed by the government because of speaking out against corruption. He left behind his four sons and other family members in order to save his life. He is starting from scratch in the United States but is off to a great start.
Here is an email I received from Patrick last night.

Hi Michele,

Thank you and thank you very much . You are a woman of big heart  and God's love. I 'm excited twice more than you. This was like a dream come true. Yes sometimes dream comes true but after some time . But this dream of mine was instant.I never took long to get my dream. I  got my dream  from sleep. You can not dream and get what you dream there on the sport like it has happened to me.It is a miracle .God lives here on earth with us. Let God be praised for this gift and may you be blessed for executing God's wish when he spoke with you that i should be the one to be given the car.

I like the car it is in good condition and gas consumption is good. It will help me a lot and now i will have no problems  reaching my place of work in time and meeting my appointments .I feel now comfortable when i want to travel within Indianapolis i can go anywhere anytime.I dont have to rely on the Bus schedule.

Thank you and good night.

Patrick

 Here is Patick checking out his new ride.

 Patrick and Merlin, from the organization Faith, Hope, and Love who partner with

Catholic Charities to help clients receive these cars.

So proud and excited!