Family reunited after 5 years
Published: June 10, 2005
On the long holiday weekend, John and Carrie Schuchardt honored Edith Oworu and her children with a party celebrating their bravery during a separation that lasted nearly five years. Mrs. Oworu fled her homeland of Nigeria during a political uprising in 2000. Her husband was killed in the massacre.
Her children, now 11 to 19 years old, were left behind in Lagos. With some help from relatives in the capital city, the children survived. Meanwhile, Oworu’s main objective was to get her children here safely.
In 2000, soon after her arrival in America, Oworu moved to the House of Peace on High Street, a safe haven for refugees of war-torn countries since 1990.
The immigration laws in this country tightened after Sept. 11, 2001. Oworu encountered one setback after another in her quest. What’s more, she didn’t have air fare to get them here.
In late April, Edith Oworu finally embraced her sons Kingsley, Jerry, and Kevin, and her daughter Milly as they stepped off the plane at Logan Airport. Since their arrival, the Oworus have been welcomed into the Ipswich community.
Parishioners at First Church, who raised funds for the Oworus’ air fare with a benefit concert and other fund-raisers, greeted the newcomers at a Sunday service. A week after their arrival, Kevin began fifth grade at Winthrop School, and Jerry and Milly started classes at Ipswich High. Nineteen-year-old Kingsley wants to go to college in the fall.
Edith, a home health care nursing assistant for Tender Loving Care on Town Farm Road, is hoping to find an apartment big enough for her family. Meanwhile, they’re staying at the House of Peace.
Friends gathered around the long table with platters and dishes heaped with favorite foods from Nigeria and Haiti. Before the Sunday afternoon meal, Carrie Schuchardt welcomed the Oworus.
“Over the past few weeks so many people have been trying to say how happy we are you’ve arrived. We’ve been close to your mother, in awe of how strong she is - and how strong you are. You had to leave your friends in Lagos and begin a new way of living. We’re all so glad you’re here. We’re standing by to help you,” Schuchardt said.
She then offered a special thank you for all who thought of and prayed for the Oworus. “So many people tried in so many ways to bring you home. Today is the day to be glad, have food, make friends,” Schuchardt said.
Edith Oworu, in traditional Nigerian dress, responded, “Thank you to everyone who made this day possible. For giving me hope. Thank you especially to you, John and Carrie. Also, First Church has done so much.”
After applause and a short “Alleluia” thanksgiving prayer, Edith’s friends from Ipswich and beyond filled their plates and gathered at tables in the house and in the yard to share a meal with the Oworus.
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