Susanna Garcia Travieso’s eldest son, Geovanni Miranda, is still in Cuba. When he arrives in Goshen, Indiana, Susanna will be ready to close a chapter in her families’ lives that began more than a decade ago when they first sought refugee status at the American Embassy in Havana.
Their story began in the 1990s when Susanna’s husband, Valentin al Mirai Miranda, lost his job as a biology teacher for belonging to an underground anti-government movement. Susanna, a social studies teacher, and two of their three sons were fired soon afterward, and the family was forced to work odd jobs in agriculture in order to survive. Meanwhile, Valentin was continually persecuted by the Cuban authorities. He spent time in prison and underwent physical and psychological abuse. The family tried to remain strong through the ordeal.
“My husband was beaten in the streets in broad daylight,” says Susanna. But she adds, “Our fight was a passive fight, a fight for change, a fight for liberty.”
By 1998, the family was desperate to flee Cuba. It wasn’t until 2002 that they were given interviews. Finally, Valentin and his son Alexis arrived in September of 2004. Susanna followed in late October, and her youngest son, Osniel, arrived in June of 2005.
All were welcomed by the staff of the EMM affiliate Refugee Services of South Bend and resettled immediately in Goshen, Indiana with the help of the Siloam Mennonite Fellowship. Siloam generously donated furniture and clothes to the family, provided them with transportation, and offered them emotional support as they adjusted to life in the United States.
The Miranda family is slowly settling into the community. They are now able to support themselves financially and are members of Siloam Fellowship.
Though the process of integration is not easy, Susanna’s dream in the next five years is to be fluent in English and have her family, including Geovanni, together again. Meanwhile, Valentin hopes to teach once more. The Mirandas miss family and their Cuban culture, but they are proud to be creating a new life in Indiana.
