The Jau family, emigrated from Sudan in 2001

In 2001, we prepared to resettle a new family. The greatest need was for the sponsorship of refugees from Africa, especially Sudan. After considering the requests from the Virginia Council of Churches, St. Luke’s accepted the challenge to help a Sudanese family resettle into this area. Mary Omot and Birth Jau, and their two daughters, Achol and Alei Marial, arrived at the airport in Newport News on September 26, 2001. Unlike the reception for previous families, this time no one was there to greet them. Arrivals following September 11 had been rescheduled and rerouted and, in this case and others, the local Refugee Office had not received any advanced notice. Volunteers arranged their schedules to put them up in their homes for a week before moving them to Cloverleaf Village, where they have made their home in a two bedroom apartment.

Following that rough beginning and a year of many challenges, the Jau family is beginning to adjust to their new life. Birth has learned to drive and the family is using a vehicle donated by the congregation. He started work at Smithfield Packing in 2002, but moved to Smith and Keene in 2003. When not working, Birth has been attending the church service and Sunday school. Mary works at Wall Mart during the second shift so she can take care of Achol during the day and be at home when Alei goes to and returns from school. St. Luke’s continues to help this family learn a new culture and become self-sufficient.

 

Jau Birth works at Smith and Keene on heating and air conditioning and Mary works the second shift at Walmart. They take turns taking care of Achol, and Alei attends school in Newport News. Birth and Mary continue to study English as a second language. They have applied for permanent residency status, but processing takes about a year and a half.

 

 

 

 

 

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