December 4, 2025
The St. Louis Zoo on a sunny Sunday is a symphony of joyful chaos – children’s laughter mingling with animal calls, families strolling, ice cream melting. It’s an American scene, and amidst it all, a particular family with five children in tow recently embarked on an adventure that filled my heart with immense pride.
I’ve had the privilege of knowing this incredible Afghan family for four years now. Their journey to Columbia was one born of necessity, courage, and a desperate hope for safety and a new beginning. When they first arrived from Afghanistan, their world was defined by the raw, often overwhelming, process of daily survival. Each day was a testament to their resilience – navigating a new language, a foreign culture, and the immense task of rebuilding their lives from scratch.
But on a recent Sunday, I learned they had ventured on their own from Columbia to the St. Louis Zoo, and something profound shifted. This wasn’t just about adapting anymore; it was about thriving.
Imagine the logistics: a family of seven, navigating interstate highways, finding parking in a bustling city, deciphering zoo maps, and orchestrating a full day out – all in a country that was once entirely alien to them. This wasn’t a mandated outing or an assisted trip; this was a self-initiated adventure, a declaration of independence and belonging. It was a family making American memories, on their own terms.
This simple act of visiting the zoo, for them, represents so much more than just a day of entertainment. It symbolizes:
Growing Confidence: Their comfort with independent travel and navigating public spaces speaks to a growing self-assurance in their new environment.
Cultural Integration: Embracing leisure activities common to American families shows a giant step into their adopted culture, moving beyond basic needs to enjoying life’s richness.
Family Unity and Joy: The very act of planning and executing such a trip underscores their strong family bonds and their commitment to creating joyful experiences for their children.
The American Dream, Realized in Small Moments: For many immigrants, the dream isn’t just about financial stability; it’s about the freedom to live, explore and create a joyful life without constant fear or struggle. This zoo trip is a beautiful manifestation of that dream.
I remember their early days, filled with quiet determination and the immense effort it took just for this family to manage daily tasks. To see them now, confidently exploring one of St. Louis’s most beloved attractions, is to witness the extraordinary power of the human spirit. It’s a reminder that resilience isn’t just about enduring hardship, but about finding the strength to move forward, to embrace new opportunities, and ultimately, to flourish.
Their journey is far from over, and challenges undoubtedly remain. But watching them step out, confidently and joyfully, into the wider world, fills me with incredible hope. This Afghan family isn’t just surviving in Columbia; they are thriving, contributing to the vibrant tapestry of our community, and reminding us all what true strength and determination look like.
Pat Gerke
City of Refuge Volunteer & Supporter
Tomorrow!
Join us tomorrow from 10am-4pm for our 3rd annual outdoor Holiday Market!
With more than 60 vendors, live entertainment, kid’s activities, and food trucks, you’ll be sure to find gifts and fun for the whole family. So bundle up and come support local & global makers as we celebrate the holiday season!
Check out the event on Facebook to see a sneak peek of vendors and entertainment!
CoMoGives is Underway!
We are so grateful for the generosity of our supporters. Our goal is to raise $125,000 through CoMoGives this year, and we are already well on our way! Will you continue to share opportunities to give with your family and friends?
Keep up with us on social media, share your reason for supporting, and see how your giving makes a difference in the lives of refugees in our community!
