Russian Refugee

Last week a woman from Russia left a note in the front door of the Church asking for someone to contact her. She is living in Paihola with her 16 year old son. Paihola is the site of an mental hospital and also a camp for refugees. She is a refugee because she was fired from her job as a journalist in Russia because she joined the Mormon church. The local officials told her she would have to choose between the church and her job. She chose to leave the country and has been having trouble finding a country that will give her resident status. She and her son lived in Belgium for 1 1/2 years. Then they tried Sweden who sent them to Finland since her travel visa was issued by Finland. They have been in Finland since January and are waiting for a decision from the government. If they are rejected, they will try France next. She says getting into America is impossible, which is really pretty ironic since 1M Mexicans easily come in every year. She has degrees and speaks several languages, but doesn't have the necessary papers to be transported to the West. We wish her and her son well and hope for a good ending. In the meantime, we drive 12 kilometers to bring them to church on Sunday. She has all their Church documents laminated and carries them with her to prove her Church membership wherever she goes. It is hard to imagine living that uncertain a life. We are so privileged.