Refugee Services: Marip Family Moves Forward in New Life

We first shared the story of the Marip family in the May, 2011, edition of Crossing Oceans, highlighting the story of this Burmese family's arrival in Atlanta and their introduction to the Family Builders Sunday School Class of Peachtree Road United Methodist Church, who furnished the family's apartment and welcomed them to a new life in Georgia. Since their arrival, the family has been busy! A strong friendship has formed between the Family Builders class members and the family through time spent together. Debby Eidson from the class says, "I have taken the family to Walmart and Kroger but by far their favorite store is the Buford Highway Farmers Market. Their eyes just light up when they recognize produce, seafood and products! On every trip to a store, the family is gracious and appreciative... they share their candy with me and often treat me to a glass of soda when we return to their apartment after shopping."

Sporting new backpacks, lots of school supplies and a computer provided by the class, the Marip daughters, Sut Nu Pan and Bawk Bawk Pan started middle and high school this fall. Dad, Aung Aung, and mom, Ah Ja, recently began working at a bakery in Norcross and they report they are very happy with their new jobs.

The Marips are a family on the move!