In the rugged hills of Chin State, Burma, the threat of violence was a constant shadow. The military’s presence loomed over every village and town, instilling fear in the hearts of families who never knew what each day might bring. For Lian Khup, a father of five, staying in his homeland became impossible. He had witnessed too much—the military had called for him, and deep down, he knew that remaining in Burma would mean certain death. In 2009, with a heavy heart and a desperate need to protect his family, Lian made the difficult decision to flee, seeking refuge at a refugee camp in Malaysia. His goal was to bring his family to safety as soon as possible.

Lian’s escape marked only the beginning of a long and arduous journey. He left behind his beloved wife, Niang, and their five children, the youngest too small to comprehend the dangers that threatened their lives. The separation was unbearable, but they believed it was their only hope for a future free from fear.

In 2013, Niang and their two youngest children joined Lian at the refugee camp in Malaysia. The reunion was bittersweet. While Lian was grateful to have his wife and little ones out of harm’s way, his heart ached for the three children left behind in Burma. Financially strapped, he could not afford to bring them all to Malaysia. Desperate to reunite his family, he applied to the United Nations for resettlement in the United States, hoping to provide his family with peace and stability. Every day, he prayed for the chance to bring his children together once more and heal the wounds of their separation.

As time passed, Dal and Thawn, the two brothers left behind in Burma, took on jobs at a local tea shop baking bread and cleaning. They earned just enough to help their relatives scrape by. Years of hardship followed, and life in Malaysia remained uncertain. The family stayed connected to the boys through sporadic phone calls and later social media. Dal, the eldest son, now a young man, shouldered responsibilities far beyond his years. He worked to support his younger brother and their grandfather while holding onto the hope of reunification with their father. Yet, as the years dragged on, the dream of being together again often felt distant and elusive.

In 2016, Lian received the news that changed everything—his family’s application to resettle in the United States had been accepted. They were finally able to leave Malaysia and start a new life in America. It was the moment they had prayed for, the moment that had sustained them through countless hardships. However, joy was tempered by the reality that their three oldest children remained in Burma. Each phone call to the boys brought promises that one day they would all be together again.

With renewed determination, Lian worked tirelessly in the United States, saving every dollar and partnering with Catholic Charities’ Refugee Resettlement program. After 15 long years of separation, the news came—his two oldest sons, now young men of 21 and 18, were cleared to join them in the United States. The disbelief was overwhelming. “Is this real? Is it a dream?” Thawn wondered when he heard the news. Their prayers had finally been answered.

In June 2024, Dal and Thawn joined their family in Tulsa. Their sister, who had married in Burma, chose to remain there with her husband. Meanwhile, a new daughter, born in the U.S., is now seven years old and excited to share her life with brother she had never met.

Thawn marvels at the peace and freedom that surrounds him. “Here,” he said, “there is freedom. Whatever you want to do, you can do it. I can work hard, and one day, my dreams can come true.” The promise of a better future feels tangible at last.

Catholic Charities helped the family adjust to their new reality—securing social security cards, employment documents, and school enrollment. For the first time in years, they feel hope.

Reflecting on their journey, Lian spoke softly, tears welling in his eyes. “So much emotion… so many prayers. But they were finally answered. We are together. We are safe. And for that, I am thankful every day.”