December 17, 2024
It was a crisp autumn day when I first stepped into Daniel Boone Regional Library as a 19-year-old, three days after arriving in America. The grandeur of the place overwhelmed me not just because of its towering bookshelves or the quiet hum of knowledge, but because it was the first library I had ever entered. I had read about libraries in books and heard about them in passing, but until that moment, I had never experienced one. Confusion must have been etched on my face because Lori, a kind woman working as a care coordinator for City of Refuge, approached us with a warm smile.
Lori didn’t just help us find our way around the library; she gave us more than directions, she gave us hope. After chatting with us, she insisted on giving us a ride home. On the way, she spoke about connecting us with a local church in town, led by a man named Joe. That connection would change the course of my life.
Joe and his wife, Jennie, welcomed us into their church and their hearts. They didn’t just see refugees; they saw family. Though no legal papers tied us together, the bond was as real as any. They supported me through every hurdle. When I graduated high school, Jennie guided me through the college application process, helping me secure a spot at Moberly Area Community College. It was an opportunity I could never have imagined.
Through it all, Joe’s family remained my anchor. They cooked meals for me, brought them to my apartment , and checked on me daily. Their love erased the loneliness and hopelessness I once carried. Slowly, the Columbia community also became my family. It was here that I first realized what home truly meant not just a place, but the people who care for you.
After college, I found my passion in healthcare, working at MU Hospital and the Veterans Hospital. Helping patients brought me immense joy. Along the way, I met my wife, a fellow refugee whose journey mirrored my own. Together, we found purpose in volunteering, giving back to the community that had given us so much.
Columbia became my sanctuary. I’ve said it countless times: Columbia is home because Columbians care for one another. And now, my journey has come full circle. I left the healthcare field to join City of Refuge, the very organization that first welcomed me. As a Career Empowerment Specialist, I help others find their paths, just as Lori, Joe, and Jennie helped me.
Every day, I am reminded of the power of kindness and connection. My story isn’t just about me; it’s about the countless people who stood by me, lifting me when I felt I couldn’t stand. Now, I carry their legacy forward, determined to be the same source of hope for others.
This is more than my story. It’s Columbia’s story. It’s a story of love, resilience, and the boundless capacity of people to change lives.
Eraste Bishazi
Career Empowerment Specialist
We have been so encouraged by the continued outpouring of love and generosity from the Columbia community and beyond. Thank you!
CoMoGives is still happening and will continue through December 31. We have a goal of reaching $125,000 and we need MANY folks to make that number a reality. Please continue to share and consider joining our mission of Serving and Empowering Refugees Through Relational Care, Education And Development.
