From Ethiopia to Beaverton, man and family travel far to catch American Dream

The immigrants are working to bring family members here as well

By Kristen Forbes

The Times, Nov 12, 2009 (1 Reader comment)

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In 1998, a man told Dejene and his wife about an adult foster care business. He said they could work for him for six months then take the business over. As promised, they were given the business, and they now run an adult foster home in Beaverton. They’ve owned the business since 1999 and are still running it, 10 years later.

With more family still in Ethiopia and Kenya, Dejene and Engo used the money they made at their jobs to help their families back home. They sent money – usually around $800 a month – to cover rent, as well as medical costs and food.

In 2001, nine members of Engo’s family were able to join the group in Oregon. For Dejene’s family, the process took longer.

“They were scheduled for an interview Sept. 12, 2001. Sept. 11 happened, and it was postponed for a year or so. Then, it took about five years for them to get here,” he says.

During those five years, Dejene continued to support them while working two jobs.

“I don’t even want to think about how much money I spent, but it was a lot of money. I don’t expect anything from them. What I want to do is for them – help them get here, where they can work freely and help the rest of the family we have back home.”

When 10 of Dejene’s family members were finally able to come to Beaverton, they followed the example Dejene set: They found jobs, attended classes, and took over some of Dejene’s responsibilities.

He and his wife now have four children: two boys and twin girls. Dejene still works two jobs, one at the adult foster home and one with the school district.

“It’s not easy, but we can work and support our family. Back home, the opportunity is not there,” says Dejene. “My heart is always wanting to help. God helped me to get here, so I just want to help.”

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