I thought I was a pretty well-informed person, but Maurice’s story really stunned me. There are so many parts of our lives that we take for granted, and just a short distance away life can be very different. Even in locations we think we know, that seem like places for joy and rest. I’m so glad Maurice educated me, but I’m sorry that a person so full of gifts had to live through such persecution:

The journeys of asylum seekers are varied. I, too, am an asylum seeker. I overcame enormous mountains to get to where I am today. While in Jamaica, I had a pretty comfortable life. I graduated from college with a degree in elementary education and very soon after I began living my dream of becoming a teacher. Within two years I was recognized nationally for my devotion, dedication and excellence in the profession.

I was extremely active in church. I was youth leader for my congregation, moved up to becoming the Sunday school teacher, and went on to serve as the spiritual coordinator for youth, nationally. In my congregation, the third Sunday was mine to do the sermon. I was being prepared as a prime candidate for seminary.

Of course, all this time I knew who I was and was secretly living that life: the life of being a member of the LGBT+ community. This is punishable by up to 10 years of hard labor in Jamaica. Can you believe that? Sadly, the day came when my sexuality was revealed and I dared not stay in my home, my community, or my country. I could not continue with my job or my church. Is suicide an option? Having failed at the first attempt a while back, I decided that I wanted to live, to love, to be loved, and to be free.

And so, with nowhere to go, I boarded a plane for the United States with no definite destination in mind. Praise God for a friend of mine who knew of the LGBT Asylum Task Force in Worcester, Massachusetts. I was provided with a safe accommodation, a monthly stipend of $500 to pay for groceries, phone bill, and toiletries. It was tight, but I was alive, I was safe, and I was free.

Have you ever experienced a moment of renewed hope? As an openly gay person, I found a church where my gifts were recognized at the corner of Clover and Knox Street in Worcester. A place where asylum seekers from over 70 countries continue to arrive in despair, heartbroken and trying to stay alive. At Hadwen Park Church I mentor, sing in the choir, teach Sunday school, and sit on committees. I have completed graduate school with a Master of Education in School Leadership and Administration, and having been granted asylum and being able to work, I am now Manager of Programs and Services at a non-profit in Worcester.

Giving back, paying it forward. It’s my greatest desire. Enabling people to become their best selves gives me great joy.

You can learn more about the work of the LGBT Asylum Task here.