I met Emmanuel on line in 1999 and he was in a Refugee Camp in Ghana. I had him checked out by Unicef and a Pastor who had met him in the camp. So I knew he was for real and not leading me on. He became like a son to me . He also had his young 10yr old sister Agnes with him. I sent him money when I could afford it and so wanted to help him. I tried to get him out to Australia on a refugee visa but it was refused due to my being on Disability Support Pension back then. I was very upset and constantly worried about them both. They sent me letters and photos.
Emmanuel saw his whole family beheaded by the Taylor Rebels in the 90s. His father worked for the Government. He was made to drink the blood from his mother's head. It makes my skin crawl. He was beaten by the Rebels and has a very bad leg which is a disability to him now.
Emmanuel managed to get away from the Rebels and took his sister to the Liberian port hoping to get a boat to somewhere safe. An old man saw Emmanuel and Agnes laying on the ground at the ships dock. He gave his ticket and some money to let them get on the boat that was about to leave. That is how he got to be in Ghana. They were sent to the refugee camp where they lived for over 10 yesrs. Agnes got an illness and she died aged 13years old. I was so upset and now Emmanuel was all alone.
He calls me Mum. The only other thing I could do was to save up enough money to send him back to his home country Liberia which was now safe for him to go. It took me a long time but in August 2011 I sent him $1000 I had saved and he is now back in Liberia. I am so proud I was able to do something for him. I still hear from him and would love it if one day I could meet him in person. I cant afford to send money anymore and he understands that.
I just pray that anyone reading this wants to help him , I would take donations to do that, Just so he can eat and get medical treatment for his leg.
I think of Emmanuel very often.
I love him like a son.
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