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When Asher Irfan's family finally received approval last November to come to the United States from Pakistan, the news was both exciting and unexpected. Asher, and several of us, had always assumed that when his wife and two children came to the U.S., they would arrive at one of the New York area airports, and that we would be able to meet them, welcome them into our congregation, and provide whatever help we could as they began their new life in America.
But that wasn't how it unfolded. With his family expected to arrive in a matter of weeks, Asher had to make several important decisions quickly, the most important being where they would live. At this time, Asher had received a housing offer from a friend in Lexington, Kentucky and decided to relocate to that city shortly before Christmas. He was expecting his family to arrive before the end of the year. However, due to complications involving their passports and visas, their long-awaited reunion would not take place until Sunday, February 4, 2024. The family's port of entry was Chicago's O'Hare Airport, which is about a six-hour drive from Lexington. Asher met them at the airport and drove them to their new home in Lexington. It was a glorious day, the first time the family had been together in five years.
While we were at first disappointed that we would not get to meet Asher's family, we are happy that things are going well for them in Kentucky. Recently, Pastor Sooah asked Asher to prepare a short video that we could show during worship as a way to introduce his family to Centenary's congregation. That video was shown last Sunday morning as part of Sooah's sermon. For those who missed it, we are making it available again in this week's email.
Here's a quick update on what's been going on with Asher and his family since their arrival in the U.S. four months ago. Asher's wife, Nadia, is working as an assistant teacher at a large early learning center sponsored by Centenary United Methodist Church in Lexington (how's that for irony!), which has several campuses. The Centenary School offers not only preschool, but also an infant toddler program, transitional kindergarten, and a summer camp. Nadia also is learning to drive. Asher continues to work remotely for a medical billing company in Chicago while seeking a position in the Lexington area. The children have adapted quickly to their new American schools and are doing well. Daughter, Mariam, has completed seventh grade, and son, Mokham, completed fourth grade. Both are looking forward to summer vacation, which comes earlier in southern schools.
The family is currently looking for an apartment in Lexington, which has a population of 321,000 and is known for its many horse farms and thoroughbred racetracks. It is also home to the University of Kentucky.
Please continue to keep Asher, Nadia, Mariam, and Mokham in your prayers. In the near future, they hope to come to New Jersey for an in-person visit.
Bob Carlson
Missions Committee
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