Eight years ago, a very special relationship began.
Roman, her 6 children, and her now late husband, stayed at Christ Church as part of the CARITAS shelter program. After their stay, Roman's oldest son Shimendi reached out and asked for help and Christ Church said yes. We've been blessed to be in relationship with this family ever since.
We have great news to share -- Roman just passed her U.S. Citizenship exam! Now the whole family can enjoy the rights of U.S. citizenship.
Roman and her family are from Eritrea (country bordering Ethiopia). They were captured and held prisoner, waiting to be executed. Catholic Charities rescued them and brought them to the US where they have lived as Permanent Residents for the last 10 years. In Eritrea, women are not educated and Roman therefore does not read or write in her native language. Roman has worked very hard to study and pass the U.S. citizenship exam.
Roman and her oldest son, Shimendi work full-time to support their family. Efrem, the 2nd oldest, is entering his senior year of high school and would like to attend VCU after graduation.
"Roman is so excited!" said Jenni Pandak, who has been close to the family since the beginning. "This is an incredible family with an amazing story and I am so grateful that Christ Church had the faith to 'yes' when God called us to be His Hands and Feet."
“When a foreigner resides among you in your land, do not mistreat them. The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt. I am the Lord your God.” - Leviticus 19:33-34 New International Version (NIV)
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| Roman and family after Shimendi passed his U.S. citizenship exam a few years ago. |
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