Portrait: Kyaw

 

Kyaw survived atrocities at the hands of the military junta in Burma. Having been involved in the democratic movement as a teen, Kyaw was a regular target of the local authorities in his rural village.

When the brutality continued, his family became increasingly frightened for his life and sent Kyaw to live in India. From there he fled to Thailand and then to Singapore. Life was difficult no matter when he went, but Kyaw remained faithful, confident that God would lead him to freedom. When Kyaw finally landed on the island of Guam, he was recognized as a victim of torture and political persecution and was granted asylum in the United States.

After a long journey, Kyaw was welcomed to his new country by Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service and Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota. A local Lutheran congregation was also a big part of his “homecoming”—donating household items and providing Kyaw a caring network of support that guided him through his first few months in a new land.

Kyaw is now married with two small children and a good job in Minneapolis. Kyaw reports that his family is happy, healthy and safe—and he remains ever grateful for the warm Lutheran welcome he received when he needed it most.

 

More Portraits of Immigrants
and Their Families