In the summer of 2023, when I arrived in New York City with my family my wife, my elderly mother, and my six children we were placed in one of the Manhattan shelters where nearly five thousand migrants were being housed. At that time, everything was unfamiliar to us: the environment, the people, the language, the food, the city, and the culture. Everything felt foreign and overwhelming.

The exhaustion from our long 35-day journey, during which we endured tremendous hardship and passed through Darien Gap and 12 South American countries, was still deeply present. The difficult early days at that shelter remain vivid in my memory and in the memories of my children. None of us had the appetite to eat the food that was provided. We had no proper clothing, no acquaintances, no friends, and no money to meet even the most basic daily needs of my children. I did not have permission to work, and I was unable to take steps toward improving our situation.  It was during the hot summer days. When I took my children outside for a walk, whenever I saw an ice cream truck, I would change our path so they would not see it because I feared they might ask for ice cream, and I would have no way to give it to them. Surrounded by the magnificent skyscrapers of Manhattan, we were struggling with the lack of food, clothing, and basic necessities. At the same time, I was suffering from poor vision because my eyeglasses had broken in the jungles of Panama. Those days were filled with uncertainty, discouragement, and deep despair.

Then, through a relative, I was introduced to Ms. Sandra and Mr. Aaron. The kindness, compassion, and humanity of these two wonderful individuals had a profound and lasting impact on our lives. With their support, my children received proper clothing, school supplies, and computers. I was also able to obtain new eyeglasses, restoring my ability to see clearly. In a short period of time, with their guidance and encouragement, I was able to obtain my driver’s license a turning point that transformed the direction of my professional and personal life.

Having a driver’s license allowed me to find employment, and eventually, I was able to purchase my own car. That car became an essential part of our lives and helped move our family forward. I no longer feared passing by ice cream trucks; instead, I could proudly take my children to choose the ice cream they loved.

Today, all six of my children are enrolled in schools and colleges. Two of my daughters have successfully entered college and are continuing their higher education, while my other four children are continuing their education in school,

Later, through these same kind individuals, I was also introduced to another generous person, Ms. Shahin. Through food distribution programs and other forms of assistance, she helped provide essential supplies and support to our family during a critical time. Her kindness played an important role in helping us rebuild stability in our lives.

I express my deepest and most heartfelt gratitude to Ms. Sandra, Mr. Aaron, and Ms. Shahin. These remarkable individuals extended their hands to us during the most difficult time in our lives and helped restore our hope and dignity. I am also sincerely thankful to Ms. Christine and everyone who contributed in any way to supporting my family.

To us, they are truly angels in human form. I pray that God blesses them always with health, happiness, and continued success, and keeps them under His protection.

With deepest respect and gratitude,

-AM