From cartels to a warm welcome
Hello, my name is Georgina and here is a little bit of my story.
I am from Honduras, in Central America. I lived in a part of Honduras that is controlled by cartels- they controlled everything where I lived and controlled me, so I had to try and escape.
I chose to move to the UK because it is far away from my home country. I speak some English and my faith is very important to me. I know that the UK is a Christian country and I felt like I could trust a country where there were other Christians and I could have protection in practicing my faith.
I arrived in the UK with two small children- my 3 year old son and my younger brother. Arriving with two small children and trying to navigate immigration at the airport was very challenging- I was overwhelmed with having to wait so long and not really understanding what was happening. After several hours they told me to leave the airport and return later, but I had no money and we had nowhere to go, nowhere to sleep.
I phoned a friend who lived in America and she arranged a hotel for me and the boys to stay in for a few days until we needed to return to the airport. After a few days, we returned for more meetings with immigration and after that were instructed to go to a local hostel. The stay at the hostel was terrible- there were rats, we couldn’t sleep at all. All we were given for food was rice.
In those moments of despair, I remember praying to God, ‘What can I do? How can I do this God?’ but I remembered that I have a powerful God, one who provides. I knew he would give me the strength I needed, and he did!
We moved from the hostel back to a hotel and then another hotel, then another. There were some very kind people along the way who helped us. It wasn’t always easy though- living in hotels with two young boys who are full of energy was a challenge!
Eventually, we were relocated to Nottingham and were able to move into a house, a proper house! We have now been here for 3 years. It feels like so much has changed in those 3 years- we live near a park and a good school with kind, respectful teachers. We were also put in contact with a local church. Within a few days of us moving here, someone from the church came to visit us and brought us a box! They called it a Welcome Box. It was amazing- it felt like such a warm welcome!
Eventually, I found a church nearby that had a service in Spanish. That was the point where I really began to feel at home and find people that felt like family. As a Christian, I feel like we don’t have nationalities. Everywhere we go, we find brothers and sisters.
In general, I think people here have been very accepting of my culture and my language. I think there are many people in my community here who have tried to recognize the merits and talents that we (refugees and people seeking asylum) have and rather than trying to change us, have welcomed us as we are.
I have now been here almost 5 years. I feel like I know everything now- the transport, the churches, the school- so many different places! When I lived in Honduras, I was afraid to be outside walking or taking the bus alone. I would never go out at night. I don’t have those fears here. I don’t have a fear of being assaulted or hurt. My life here feels new and safe. My family feels secure and respected. We love the UK and we love the people here.
Back in Honduras I was a teacher- and this year I will begin taking classes for certification to teach Spanish here in the UK. Last year I took an interpreter course so that I could volunteer with refugees as an interpreter. I like people able to help people here who are in similar situations to me- it feels like a good way to give back.
We are not permanently settled here as refugees, our case is still being reviewed. We are hopeful and we are trusting in God that there will be good news for us. If you have a moment, please pray we are granted leave to remain!
Through the power of the local church, we can make sure that no refugee feels alone. Would you generously give £38 this Christmas to make that a reality for one more family? A welcome is the best gift they could get - it’s where they will start to rebuild their lives.