Refugees From The East Find Friends In The West

I recently enjoyed touring the Western Art Show with a close friend.

My friend has been exposed to a wealth of art in her travels throughout Europe, but it was apparent to me that the “Old Western” theme was new to her.

Later, the afternoon found us at Espresso Delizioso. She loves the sardine sandwich and I could live on their salad. When the check arrived, Maria instinctively grabbed it.

How different our roles are now from when I first met the Khala family at Spokane International Airport five years ago.

Their plane arrived at midnight. Matvei Finkel, a Russian immigrant living in Spokane, had encouraged me to sponsor a family from the Ukraine and he was there with us to meet them for the first time.

Excitedly, we waited for the plane. My arms were full of practical gifts, and balloons for the children. When the 12 weary travelers finally disembarked not so much as a smile met mine.

After being “kicked out” of the Soviet Union, they had followed a refugee route that led them to Italy where they waited many months in grim conditions to be placed with sponsors. They had never heard of Spokane; they only wanted to come anywhere in America, together.

The first week was crucial. It was then I decided to make these newcomers my lifelong friends. I put aside my expectations and changed my focus from how little we had in common to what we could learn from each other. The Khala family taught me courage and uprightness.

I have found new friends for life and more than friends, family. Truly Natasha and Marie Khala and Kareen Henriksen, who does volunteer work with refugee families in the Spokane area, have become the sisters I never had growing up.

On a recent Saturday some of my new, extended family came over for dinner. Fortunately, I live in a big house. With the combined eight children and eight adults, each corner was filled with the warm scrumptious sounds and feelings of family.

We joyously remembered those first difficult months and the bonds forged. With Paul and Kareen Henriksen and their family, we humbly thanked God for bringing us together.

MEMO: Your Turn is a feature of the Wednesday and Saturday Opinion pages. To submit a Your Turn column for consideration, contact Rebecca Nappi at 459-5496 or Doug Floyd at 459-5466 or write Your Turn, The Spokesman-Review, P.O. Box 2160, Spokane, WA 99210-1615.