news

From Liberia to Philadelphia: A Community’s Journey, February 15, 2010

James Kettor, a Liberian émigré and fellow Knight of Peter Claver spoke with his friend and brother knight at St. Francis de Sales Parish in West Philadelphia. “I have good news and bad news.”

Grand Knight Paul Harvey asked “What is the good news, brother?”

“I have finally gotten approval for five of my children to come here.”

“That is wonderful news. But what is the bad news, then?”

“I don’t have the money,” James Kettor lamented.

That is how this story began. Paul prayed. During his weekly adoration, the kernel of a plan formed. It was beyond his capability alone. What could be done? A team approach was needed. De Sales Parish is home to many immigrants, so parish staff would support the cause but could not be in the lead. Paul got two parishioners to join the cause. They and their spouses agreed to help fund-raise. The missing piece was an advisor.

Paul’s next decision was to meet with Sister Francis Joseph, R.A. With pad and pen in hand, Sister Francis led the brainstorming. Press coverage, fund raising, publicity. Oh, and she knew … and she would call … and she would talk to …. She pulled out her connections from St. Joseph and Villanova universities and anyone else she could contact.

Through Sister Francis Joseph, Sue Small came on board. Through her contacts with the International Office for Migrants, Sue convinced the United Nations to fly the children, instead of using a commercial overseas carrier. That saved thousands off the cost of reuniting the family.

When the State Department found that James had become an American citizen, they told him that his children over 18 could also be considered for admission to the United States.

Paul’s parish team – three couples – Paul and Paula Harvey, Doug Brintnall and Pia Nicolini, and Keith and Joan Rolland - and the Knights hosted a “Poor Man’s Lunch” and a folk concert. The Catholic Standard & Times feature writer, Lou Baldwin, came and wrote about the cause. Sue Small contacted other suburban parishes and Villanova University students. Everybody prayed. God moved hearts and wallets.
First, the eldest daughter, Elizabeth, was permitted to come. Finally, permission came for the youngest five to come. Young ladies now, Baindu, Amelia and Marie had been young girls six years ago when their parents left Liberia. Big brother James, Jr. and the youngest of all, Mark, awaited the reunion eagerly.

January 21, 2009 dawned sunny and bright in Philadelphia.

“I am so excited!” James Kettor exclaimed as he, his wife Sarah, daughter Elizabeth, and family friend Harvey Wren climbed into Sue Small’s rented 15-passenger van for the trek to JFK Airport in New York. Already in the van, St. Francis de Sales Parish DRE, Sister Alice Daly, I.H.M., KPC Grand Knight Paul Harvey and wife Paula understood. This trip was to reunite Sarah and James with five of their children who had been living with an uncle and aunt in Monrovia, Liberia. Over six years had passed since James and Sarah had come to the U.S. to make a new home for their family.

That passenger van was going to be a challenge to park in the crowded airport parking lot. But, wait! God provided a passenger who drives such a van for one of the local colleges. Sue negotiated skillfully through the interstate traffic and Paul parked the van. Then the eight made the walk to arriving international flights and the excitement became almost palpable. The moment James and Sarah had been praying for finally arrived.

Fresh from tropical Liberia, with a stop in Belgium, the family was together at last. Sarah wept tears of joy, looked upward and cried aloud, “Thank you, God!”

Young James, at 20, arrived in shorts and a soccer jersey. “You’re not a giant anymore,” he said looking up a few inches to his dad. He had nearly knocked him down when he jumped into his arms.

The youngest, Mark, never took his eyes off his father. The girls hugged and whispered to their mother and oldest sister.
Who needs winter clothes in tropical weather? So Paul opened the big sack he had carried like Santa into the airport. Out came hats, gloves and jackets for all. Fortified against the winter chill, everyone headed back to the van.

What a sight for new eyes! As James and Sarah settled in the middle seats of the van, the children cuddled close to them. Mark never left his father’s side. The girls talked quietly with their mother.

James, Jr. commented how big everything was, how many cars there were, how fast everything moved. This was the day they had dreamed and prayed would come. The flights were long, the changes many. They had left the tropics for winter in the Mid-Atlantic section of the U.S. No matter, they were together.

When asked how they endured the years of waiting to be with their parents, young James had ageless wisdom in his voice. We prayed, he replied.

Later, on the return trip to Philadelphia, the children serenaded everyone with Gospel songs.

James and Sarah wanted to make one phone call from the van. They wanted Sister Francis Joseph to share in their joy.

Latest update: Mark and Marie are already in school at St. Francis de Sales Parish School. The older children are waiting to continue their education.

------

Thank you to Paula Harvey for having written this article.

Back to top

How You Can Become A:

Assumption Convent

1001 South 47th Street

Sr. Francis Joseph, RA

Sr. Francis Joseph and Paula