By Michael Motes

When the George Gfroerers volunteered to become sponsors for a Vietnamese refugee, little did they know that within a period from mid-August through late September they would find themselves with not one, or possibly two, that they had graciously been willing to look after, but with a total of SIX. Add that to the normal Gfroerer household of five children and one might expect the head of the family to become a refugee himself!

But getting a lot more than they asked for had little effect on George and Honey Gfroerer, natives of Chicago now transplanted to Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish.

The family has always been one to open their doors and hearts to the less fortunate. Over the years, they had their share of foster children and unwed mothers join the family ranks, but their most recent experience remains one of their most satisfying.

“Outside of what we had read in TIME, NEWSWEEK, or the daily newspaper, we had little insight into the tragic situations among the southeast Asians,” says Honey Gfroerer. “But we were well aware that the increasing number of refugees arriving in the area needed sponsors, so we volunteered to help in any way that we could.”

The decision to become sponsors, like all decisions in the family, was made by all members of the household.

“We talk things over among ourselves before making any important decisions that will affect the entire family,” George commented, with Honey adding, “If you take being Christian seriously, as we do, you really try to help others.”

When the decision was made, the Gfroerers contacted Father Jacob Bollmer and requested that their name be added to the list of volunteer sponsors.

“We were prepared to help one or two refugees at a time,” George recalls, “believing that they would arrive at different times. We never dreamed that within just a few weeks that we would have six single young men, ranging in age from 17 to 27, to look after.”

The Gfroerers were able to accommodate four of the refugees in their own home and their good friends and fellow IHM parishioners Tom and Diana Moran provided room for the additional two in their home.

Asked about some of the problems they encountered, Honey replied that the language barrier is one of the biggest obstacles to overcome.

“Our boys arrived speaking absolutely no English and without any possessions other than the clothes they were wearing. Very little background information is given about the refugee and often what is available is inaccurate.”

She gave an example that one of the refugees was listed as having the ability to repair sewing machines, when in reality this vocational asset amounted to the fact that he had once repaired his mother’s sewing machine.

“The Communists want all of those who are not supportive of them out of Vietnam,” Honey says. “So they promise them the world on the other side of the ocean. They arrive expecting a great deal more than they can be given to begin with.”

Working with the six young men, George and Honey learned a great deal. They commented that it generally takes a refugee an average of three weeks to arrive at a basic understanding of what is going on around them.

“The fact that there is no organized way of indoctrinating those arriving is a big problem,” they agree. “We would like to see some sort of ‘Big Brother’ concept developed, whereby the sponsor and the refugee could work with someone who has been here long enough to explain to the newcomer what he can expect.”

George adds, “You might make a commitment, but there is no way that you can do all that is needed by yourself.”

“Thank God for our friends who helped and the support we received through our parish. We were able to make announcements concerning items that were needed for the refugees at our Prayer Group meetings and at the IHM Folk Mass, and the response was overwhelming.”

Getting the refugees settled into apartments was one of the biggest tasks performed by the Gfroerers and this was made easier by numerous donations from IHM parishioners, ranging from small items such as pots and pans to larger and necessary furnishing such as beds.

“We still haven’t found television sets for the two apartments the six are living in,” Honey says. “They need a TV not as a luxury, but as an excellent method for learning English.”

Their numerous experiences have left the Gfroerer family with countless stories and anecdotes, ranging from Honey spending long hours riding MARTA with the young men to explain transportation around the city to them to the scare the family had when it was suspected that one of the refugees had tuberculosis, a needless worry much to the relief of the sponsors.

But their commitment has been one of total Christian love and dedication, still evidenced by the constant contact they maintain with the six young men who have become so much a part of their lives.

In the den of the comfortable Gfroerer home hangs a large and prominently displayed banner which proclaims:

“You are the light of the world. Let your light shine before men that they may see the good that you do and give glory to God.”

The message is an important one to George and Honey, who agree, “We have actually done very little. The glory all belongs to God, who has helped us as we have tried to help others. Without him, we could have done nothing.”