As many of you know, our church along with Providence and Westminster have been providing everyday support to Nadia Paikan, Afghan refugee, and her four children, Sodise 6th grade, Taib 3rd grade, Mobara 4k, and Asra 2 years old. We are thrilled that Sodise has joined a soccer team! His coach has been an answer to many prayers and a wonderful addition to Sodise’s life as well as the support team’s. Sodise and Taib are pictured with the coach’s son after a soccer game. We have also learned that Sodise was approved to receive a mentor from the Be A Mentor organization where our own Towner Magill serves on their Board. Growing up is never easy and especially when you are in a new country and your father, Fraidoon, is still in Afghanistan. We are doing our best to wrap support around the family and specifically Sodise wherever possible.
More answer to prayers- The boys have received scholarships to both spring and summer camps which is a huge blessing. We are still exploring some summer soccer weeks for Sodise but they will mainly be going to St Andrews Parks and Playground in West Ashley.
The family is patiently waiting to hear next steps from US Citizenship and Immigration Services regarding Fraidoon’s reunification with his family. Sadly there seems to be no sense of urgency from the government’s perspective nor a timeline the family can track. This situation is truly in God’s hands and we have done all we can do except wait patiently.
How you can help:
- Transportation– We will need volunteers this summer to either take the boys to camp in the morning or bring them home in the afternoon. Camp will run from June 10- August 9. Please reach out to Maryanne Davis maryanne.biddix@gmail.com/678-620-6029 with any questions or to express interest. We will gladly get you signed up for a ride!
- Financial support– We have a refugee fund at the church that we use to pay for a variety of expenses that are beyond the reach of this struggling family. Checks can be written to MPPC with “refugee fund” in the memo line.
- Prayers– This family is in constant need of your prayers. A single mother with 4 children between the ages of 12 and 2 would keep any prayer group busy. Throw in family reunification delays and cultural assimilation issues, the need for prayers is never ending.
Thank you for keeping the Paikan family in your hearts!