Merry Christmas, A Special Tribute to My Sponsors

Dec 25, 2006 | Nor Sanavongsay | Comments (0)

‘Tis the season to be thankful. There are many things that I am thankful for. One thing in particular are my sponsors. Without them I would not be here right now. God bless them. 

My family and I are refugees of Laos. We came to the United States on January 29, 1979. Thanks to a very special family in Kingsport, Tennessee — The Scotts.

I don’t remember too much of my life in TN, but I do remember their generosity and love. They helped us learn the ways of being Americans. They helped us to be self sufficient. They even helped us to make do with what we got. Sadly, we only stayed with them for six months.

When we first arrived in Kingsport, it was snowing. “What is that?” I remember asking my parents. I was only five at the time. It was freezing! Luckily, the refugee camp gave us some coats before we came.

The next day, we were bombarded by reporters of the Kingsport Times. We were one of the few refugees to arrive in the area. I thought nothing of it and was too busy playing with the toy cars they gave us. They were asking my parents questions and taking lots of pictures.

I could only say two words in English; yes and no. When it was dinner time, I would just point at the things that I want to eat and my sponsors would give them to me. There was one package in particular that really caught my eye. I asked them if I can have some of that! Turns out, it was a box of dog food. Yummy!

I remember the good food, I remember the laughs, I remember the weird kid that licked juice off the table in school, and most importantly I remember the love that they have for us. There is no present that anyone can give me that would top bringing us out of poverty in Laos. For that, I am truly thankful.

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