Front Row: Breck Gastinger, Nasrat, Haji Muhammad, Hikmat, Saeeda, Regina White, and her daughter
Second Row: Lara Gastinger, Sharon Baiocco , Burnie Davis, Rev. Tim Temersen. (May 2023 Visit by the
Ghaznavis family to the UUCville campus)

The Refugee Welcome Mentors are pleased to report that the UUCville sponsored Afghan family is adjusting well to their lives here in Charlottesville.  They have been in the U.S. for about 20 months.  They have completed their applications for green cards and are anxiously waiting to receive them.  They plan to have a party for us when they arrive.

The mother is attending Charlottesville Tulips, a group for Afghan women and loving it.  Her English is slowly improving.  The Father’s English has improved dramatically and he continues to work at the Omni.  They are walking 2 miles a day and he is working out at the gym in their apartment complex.  The eldest son has earned a promotion at the Omni and was able to purchase a second car.  Unfortunately, the younger son’s seizures remain uncontrolled in spite of a lot of testing and medication changes.  The doctors are recommending brain surgery which will occur in a year.  He enjoys attending Albemarle High School.  They remain concerned for the safety of their family in Afghanistan and fortunately are able to maintain contact with them online.

The family is deeply appreciative of the support provided by UUCville.  It’s very rewarding to see the entire family smiling and feeling more settled.