The First Welcome
On a warm evening in July 2024, GGIC staff and volunteers gathered at Gainesville Regional Airport to welcome the very first refugee family—newly arrived from Afghanistan. A mother, father, and two young children stepped off the plane after nearly 24 hours of travel, their lives packed into a few small suitcases and carry-ons. In their hands, critical documents: I-94 visas, official travel letters, and arrival packets prepared in partnership with the International Rescue Committee. In their eyes: exhaustion, uncertainty—and hope.
GGIC staff and volunteers awaited them with welcome signs and quiet reassurances in their native Dari. The family was guided through the small airport, their paperwork checked and confirmed, and then gently escorted for the drive to their new temporary home. It wasn’t permanent, but it was safe, clean, and fully furnished by community volunteers who had worked for weeks to prepare the space. In the kitchen, a steaming tray of a halal meal awaited.
That night, GGIC team members sat with the family, explaining how to adjust the thermostat, use the stove, and lock the doors. The kids found their new beds. The mother clutched a set of keys. And we all felt something shift. This was no longer just a mission. This was homecoming.
GGIC nos recogió en el aeropuerto de la ciudad, nos trasladaron hacia una locación muy cálida y acogedora, con las provisiones necesarias, más tarde nos ayudaron a acceder al alquiler de una casa espaciosa y cómoda, donde actualmente residimos, agradecemos totalmente su soporte.
GGIC picked us up at the city airport and brought us to a very warm and cozy place with all the necessary supplies. Later on, they helped us access the comfortable and spacious house that we live in now. We are completely grateful for their support.
Nuestra experiencia fue muy buena, de hecho desde que entramos al aeropuerto supimos que aquí sería un maravilloso lugar para nosotros, su gente desde ese momento nos mostró lo amable y comprensivos que son. El recibimiento súper; el ver y conocer a esas dos personas que nos esperaban fue genial. Ms Lauren y Terrence, aún recuerdo tal cual ese momento, su amabilidad y carisma sin duda alguna nos hicieron saber que estábamos en buenas manos.
Our [arrival] experience was very good. In fact from the moment we entered the airport we knew that this would be a marvelous place for us. From that moment the people showed us how kind and understanding they are. The welcome was super. Seeing and meeting those two people who were waiting for us, Mr. Lauren and Terrence, was lovely. I still remember that exact moment—their kindness and caring dispelled any doubts, and we knew we were in good hands.
Mr. Ho travels 