He was smiling like a kid on his birthday. I'm not talking little smile here. Not a smirk or a half grin. This was full blown, use every muscle in your face, beaming smile. Bright white teeth, gleaming against dark, mahogany skin. Beautiful! I was smiling too but choking down tears simultaneously. I'm certain it wasn't quite the same.
After being separated nearly four years from his family, Abdulmajeed just received confirmation that his wife and two children are coming to America and I was honored to give my dear friend the news. This is one of the greatest parts of refugee work. Separation from family probably the greatest source of grief.
Like many others, my friend had been approved to resettle here. And so he came, leaving his loved ones in Africa. Hoping to get established and then bring them over but not knowing it would take so long. Sending money back across. Talking weekly on the phone. Absent for first steps and learning new words and all those things fathers with young ones treasure. Unable to embrace or protect or comfort his helpmate. Doing life but not sharing life.
But this won't last much longer, three more weeks to be exact. And thus the reason for the smile. I will never forget that smile.
