Did I make the right decision in coming to AMerica?

Question

I grew up in a nasty refugee camp, and I ended up seriously hurt and almost killed maybe 3 times. I worked really hard to come to AMerica and bring my family, including my Father and Sister with me.

My question is this: I can say the "P" sound, which many of my countrymen can't; and I look different from others of my group because my mother was Ethiopian. THis means I could get around without constantly being harrassed if I act right.

Was I right to save my family, or should I have used my skills and looks to engage in resistence activities and maybe helped other families be free faster too?

Seeking Answers: I was used as slave labor for 2 years, working 12 hours a day for 50 cents an hour. If I'd have left I would have been arrested and tortured. I had a cinder block shard from an explosion nearly cut my left arm off. I ended up with typhoid and tetnus at the same time. All of these things were done to me legally, except for the slavery. The man who blew up that building most likely got a medal.

America is not corrupt. America is beautiful.

gwhiz, the "P" sound is the sound at the beginning of the word "Pumpkin." My people would say it, "Bumbkin," because our language has no 'P' and it's hard to learn.

People, I'm not Ethiopian or from Ethiopia or Africa. I'm Palestinian. My mother was Ethiopian, so I look black and not like other Palestinians.

I was to Kenya once.

I just thought you should know because people keep mentioning Africa and Ethiopia.

Answer 1

You did what seemed best to you at the moment, and it's paid off. Now, you wonder whether or not you could or should have done more. Perhaps instead of wondering what you could've done in the past, you can think about what you can do in the present. You can't change the past, but you can use your feelings to improve the future. Maybe you came to the US for a reason. Some people would say so. Perhaps if you had stayed you could've helped, but perhaps you would've just been killed and been no good to anybody anymore. You still have life, and hope, and you can still help others in the NOW...don't worry about the past, it's gone. You did your best back then. You did what you thought was right. I personally think you made the right decision then, but your feelings might be telling you that there's more you can do now. I'm not saying to go back there, but perhaps you could get involved in some volunteer work or a charity related to it. Like donating some of your time, thoughts, words, work, or money to the cause of helping other people still in Africa.

Answer 2

You were right to save your family. I am glad you can make the "P" sound! Any way when i first came here i hated it. Now i love this country and i would give my life to protect it. You should work for this country so more people can be saved around the world by us. You can work to help people from you home country. By using different organizations!!!!! Thats the best thing theres is much you can do in USA for others. Resistance would have put your family in danger. You can work politically to educate people here about the conflict in Somalia and Ethiopia. Many dont even realize why they are important when it comes to location on the map to not so friendly places.

Answer 3

America is beautiful because it offers opportunities and refuge to people of all classes.

There is NO reason why other countries, other governments can't offer the same. It is now politically incorrect to say that Capitalism is good. But, it was offering the freedoms and advantages of "capitalism" to all classes of citizens that created the opportunities immigrants seek. Today you feel like an immigrant and are unsure of yourself, tomorrow you could be Governor of our state, or the CEO of the next Microsoft.

But don't leave your country behind. The immigrant protests in the streets that angered so many Americans should have been staged in the immigrants home countries, not ours. God-willing you'll soon be in a better position to help change your homeland into a place you'd want your children to live.

(Check out Ghana's "Joseph Project" for ideas)

In the meantime, you could do us a great service by reminding Americans how fragile and precious their country is...

and welcome to America.

Answer 4

That depends entirely on you. In the United States, you're existence is what you make of it. You can make it miserable, you can make it incredible. But in the end that's the good thing about living in America, you have the ability to make you life mean something over other places in the world. The way you describe Ethiopia, it sounds as if you don't have that option.

Answer 5

Only you would know that answer. Sometimes it may be best to stay, but, you may be able to do more good in America to help your people. You have to learn how you can do this, I not know the Country you from or what family you have there. I wish you the best in whatever you decide.

Answer 6

Most of the people in America are descended from others who came here just like you did.

You have to watch out for yourself and your family first.
If your countrymen were so all-fired sympathetic they would have been helping you.

Answer 7

mate you are better of in the US of A than in a slave labour camp.

Now in America you can work to help the Ethiopians over seas. many churches have mission societies.

Answer 8

It's your choice but don't dis the american life it was your choice like so many others that come here and dis the americans who were here to save them . just have some respect if you stay.
sorry about your past circumstances sounds real bad.
peace out

Answer 9

you did the right thing
every one has the right to live in a free peaceful country
& you can still help from a distance to help your friends
(you must save yourself first before you can save others )
so yes you did the right thing!!

Answer 10

I would have stayed right where you were and turned to God and asked Jesus as your Savior. I am an American and live in America and it is so corrupt anymore. If I was from a far away land I would have just stayed and put my life in God's hands.