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Dear John,
My son Rehan and I have so much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving. We're grateful for our home and our family. We're grateful for the IRC and we're grateful for you.
You and the IRC have given us hope, freedom and a new life.
Rehan and I were refugees from Afghanistan. In Kabul, I worked as an interpreter for the U.S. Army, which was one of the most dangerous jobs, especially for a woman. Taliban fighters threatened everyone who was helping the Americans. But I was a single mom, caring for my elderly mother, and I had few options to support my family.
My job also gave me an opportunity to apply for a refugee visa and leave behind a life of uncertainty and violence for America. We anxiously waited for two years after applying for a visa and in 2013, Rehan and I finally were able to resettle in New York.
The IRC, with your support, also helped us with everyday things, like getting a subway card, opening a bank account and enrolling Rehan in kindergarten.
In 2016, my mother was able to join us in America and I began a full-time job with the IRC that I love. We were able to find stability and create the life we never thought possible back home in Afghanistan.
And so many more wonderful things have happened since then, including becoming a U.S. citizen this year! This has been one of the greatest achievements of my life. I'm looking forward to a lot as a new citizen and I'm especially excited about the opportunity to vote.
This really wouldn't be possible without you.
Thank you again, John, for helping me to be safe, healthy and happy and provide Rehan with a good future.
Happy Thanksgiving,
Nargis Bigzad |
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