Transcript for the Piece Audio version of A Refugee in America

No matter how tight U.S. borders become?.there are people who will always see this country as a glimmer of hope in a very troubled world.

?Hello, how are you?.(lock door)? :06

Joseph Seesay invites me into his home, a modest two bedroom apartment he shares with a room-mate. Seesay is a refugee from Sierra Leone, a country mired for nine years in a brutal civil war. He?s been in Charlottesville since 2004. :15

"I came on the?got a job in September//as a bellman.?:12

He now works two fulltime jobs--thirteen hours a day--as a bellman and a store clerk. Seesay hasn?t seen his family since he fled Sierra Leone seven years ago. He was out of town working when rebels took over the capitol, Freetown. :15

?It was when the war hit?running for his life.? :14

Fleeing to neighboring Guinea, and then to Ghana, Seesay languished in a refugee camp for five years?all the time not knowing the fate of his wife and two children?nor they his fate. :11

?All the time?thinking the same way.? :11

Unable to keep the emotion out of his voice, Seesay describes finally receiving permission to come to the United States. :07

You know it?s just like?bondage?at that time.? :17

He ended up in Charlottesville through the efforts of the International Rescue Committee, a global organization that helps re-settle displaced people. Susan Donovan, IRC?s Charlottesville director, has been working with refugees for 20 years. :14

"There?s a real richness?such hardship.? :15

Just a few months ago, Seesay learned that his wife and 15-year-old daughter are safe in Sierra Leone and may be allowed to join him this year. Sadly he doesn?t know the fate of his 18-year-old son. But Seesay is optimistic. He sees his new life as nothing short of a grand opportunity. :20

? I know the wasted?American dream...do anything.? :13

Seesay?s story is typical of those Susan Donovan hears everyday?but it?s clear they still have the power to move her. :08

"The thing I have learned?thriving.? :19

When Seesay was in Africa, he sang in the church choir.

(singing) ?One day at a time?Sweet Jesus.?

There?s no time for choir practice now, between his two jobs, but he retains his striking falsetto voice and a profound belief in the words of the hymns. :12

(singing) ??But Lord for my sake?one day at a time.? :08

I?m Nancy King for VFH Radio at the Virginia Foundation for the Humanities. :06