• About Us
    • Who We Are
    • Events
    • Staff and Leadership
    • Join Our Team
    • News & Stories
    • Contact
  • Immigrant Services
    • Who We Serve
    • Resettlement
    • Employment
    • Green Card/Citizenship
    • Education Classes
    • Request Volunteer Support
  • Volunteer
    • Volunteer With Us
    • Volunteer Resources
    • Regional Sites
    • Trainings
  • Get Involved
    • Community Support
    • Rent To Refugees
    • Hire Immigrant Neighbors
    • Advocate
    • Give Items
  • Donate
Arrive Ministries Arrive Ministries Arrive Ministries
office@arriveministries.org 612-798-4332
  • About Us
    • Who We Are
    • Events
    • Staff and Leadership
    • Join Our Team
    • News & Stories
    • Contact
  • Immigrant Services
    • Who We Serve
    • Resettlement
    • Employment
    • Green Card/Citizenship
    • Education Classes
    • Request Volunteer Support
  • Volunteer
    • Volunteer With Us
    • Volunteer Resources
    • Regional Sites
    • Trainings
  • Get Involved
    • Community Support
    • Rent To Refugees
    • Hire Immigrant Neighbors
    • Advocate
    • Give Items
  • Donate

Holding On To Hope

June 21, 2022

Dealing with a tremendous number of difficulties as a minority, Adnan chose to flee Iran at age 15, leaving his family behind.  His big dream was to come to Minnesota where a friend was living. To make that happen, he spent nine years in a refugee camp near Australia where there was little food and terrible conditions. He had no opportunity to attend school, work, or participate in any activities.

Adnan said he was able to survive the refugee camp “holding onto hope.” Eventually his dream became a reality when he arrived in America where “it felt like a home from day one.”  He greatly appreciated being able to live in an apartment, but what he was really looking forward to was “simply living a decent life.”  Most important, he said was “to experience dignity.” He found that in the Twin Cities.

When asked if anything surprised him about the USA, he replied “how respectful and polite everyone is here.”  Having been in Minnesota for a few months now, Adnan likes everything except for the snow.  He was thrilled to connect and get together with his friend from Iran who lives here. Adnan is currently working on becoming a citizen within the next year and is grateful for the help from Arrive Ministries.

Working at a Starbucks coffee shop inside a hotel in Minneapolis has been a great experience. More than anything, he likes the people he works with and those who come into the shop. He thanks Arrive Ministries for helping him to find this job and complete all the necessary paperwork.

Today Adnan is most looking forward to becoming a citizen and “living my dream.”

 

Written by Arrive Ministries Volunteer Karen Kitchel

Related Posts

Afghanistan, Good Neighbor, Stories

Afghan Family Finds Freedom to Dream

March 6, 2023 By Kate Shermer
Employment, Stories

Hiring Refugees Works

March 3, 2023 By Kate Shermer
English Tutoring, Stories

Roles Reversed

March 1, 2023 By Kate Shermer

Stay Connected

Select list(s) to subscribe to


By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: Arrive Ministries, 1515 E. 66th St., Richfield, MN, 55423, http://arriveministries.org. You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. Emails are serviced by Constant Contact

Connect with us:

Arrive Ministries is a refugee resettlement agency providing essential services and practical assistance to refugees and immigrants to advance self-sufficiency. We mobilize volunteers, in partnership with local churches, to extend love and friendship to our new neighbors to promote thriving in a new homeland.

About Us

Contact Info

1515 East 66th Street, Richfield MN 55423

612-798-4332

office@arriveministries.org

Who We Are

Immigrant Services

Volunteer

Community Support

Donate

Copyright © 2023 • All Rights Reserved  • Powered by Malley Design

Your Cart (0)

Your cart is empty Continue Shopping

Sign in