Meet My Friend, Phillip

This is Phillip. Phillip and I spent time getting to know each other today, and I was lucky enough to hear his story. He was excited to get to share his story with you, and me.

Phillip is from the country of Sudan. He grew up there, in very modest conditions. In the 1980's a civil war ravaged the country, and Phillip was forced to flee for the safety of his life. Phillip never shared with me if he left with family, or left on his own. After making it safely to Nairobi, Kenya, Phillip told me, "He found some Americans." Those Americans brought Phillip to America, where Phillip imagined he would live the American dream. Upon his arrival, Phillip spoke little English and had no belongings except the clothes on his back. Phillip has been in America for close to 20 years now. He works where he can, but struggles to find a permanent home. Phillip is so kind and incredibly grateful for what he does have. Today he simply wanted to sit and share a meal and a conversation with someone he felt like cared about him. Phillip left everything after the war destroyed his life, and yet finds happiness in the day to day. Phillip comes to the soup kitchen every day and sits quietly eating his lunch. Just from looking at him, you would never know the struggle he has faced. Visiting with people like Phillip leaves me wondering, if maybe there are truly angels among us.