Light in a Tunnel
By Nara Shin
Yohana's journey to Thrive International began out of necessity and desperation. Seeking security for herself and her five-year-old child, she left her home in Columbia due to domestic violence and civil war. The first choice of escape was to Ecuador. For eight long months, Yohana and her child navigated the U.S. visa application process in Ecuador, holding on to the hope of reaching a safer place. Finally, their perseverance paid off, and they arrived in the United States.
Upon arriving in America, Yohana felt an overwhelming sense of safety. For the first time in a long while, she felt secure, knowing she was in a country full of opportunities. Starting a new life far away from the violence that had burdened her in the past gave her hope. Despite starting from scratch, she felt a sense of possibility.
Adjusting to life in America presented its own set of challenges. The climate was a stark contrast to what she was used to, and the language barrier was the most difficult hurdle to overcome. The food was different, and building a social life from the ground up was not easy. Additionally, taking care of her young son while worrying about her adult son, who remains in Colombia due to the fact he’s over 18, has been a significant emotional burden.
However, Thrive International has been a beacon of hope for Yohana. Thrive’s Welcoming and Empowering (WE) Team has been a foundation in helping her secure a job and provided personal support, making her transition smoother. Recently, she received her first paycheck from her job.
“You’ve helped me a lot in getting a job, and personally provide hope to start here without knowing the language, and it’s like a light in a tunnel,” said Yohana.
Yohana's immediate goal is to find a proper house, as she is currently staying in a shelter. Beyond that, her deepest hope is to bring her adult son to the United States so that their family can be reunited. Having both her children with her would bring immense happiness and peace to their lives, allowing them to finally be a complete family. Thrive hopes to be next to Yohana to empower her to thrive in our community and provide resources to her to make her dreams come true.
