Surviving the Guerrilla: A Colombian Refugee Mother’s Journey to Belonging
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In a small town in Cesar, Colombia, Rubiela’s childhood was filled with laughter, love, and the warmth of family. But even the most cherished moments could not shield her from the horrors of war—forcing her to flee and rebuild her life as a refugee in Rochester, NY.
She was just a child when armed men knocked on her family’s door, demanding two of her older siblings as recruits for the guerrilla—her brothers were only 7 and 12 years old. Her parents pleaded, but the armed men ignored their cries. As the truck carrying her siblings disappeared into the distance, Rubiela’s world was forever changed.
For years, her family lived under the shadow of war—until one tragic night, when she and her sister became victims of the same violent group that had stolen her siblings, but this time in the form of gender-based violence. After this, her family fled, leaving behind the only home they had ever known.
Even after resettling in another city, safety was an illusion. When one of her brothers managed to escape the guerrilla and return home, the guerrilla responded with brutal retaliation. They tortured him and left his dead body as a warning to those who dared to leave. Then came the death threats. Rubiela and her family knew they had no choice but to run again—this time, beyond Colombia’s borders.
Nowhere to Turn
With the help of a humanitarian organization, Rubiela, her husband, and their two young sons made the treacherous journey to Ecuador. But even there, life was filled with hardship. Without work permits, they survived by recycling scraps for money. Rubiela fell into deep despair, often wondering if she could go on.
“I thought of taking my own life,” she recalls, “but my children needed me. So, I kept going.”
Through a stroke of fate—or, as Rubiela believes, divine intervention—A humanitarian organization referred her case for resettlement in the United States. When she received a call from the U.S. Embassy, she could hardly believe it. “I thought it was a joke,” she says. “Things like this don’t happen to people like me. I will become a refugee.”
Yet, just 30 days later, she and her family boarded a plane to a new beginning. A New Home, A New Hope
Stepping off the plane in Rochester, New York, Rubiela felt something unfamiliar: hope.
The cold air greeted her, and for the first time in a long time, she felt safe.
A staff member from World Relief welcomed her and her family. “He smiled. He cared. And he helped us in ways I can’t even explain,” Rubiela says.
With the support of World Relief, local churches, and compassionate volunteers, Rubiela and her family began rebuilding their lives as refugees. They learned how to navigate an unfamiliar country, secured jobs, and enrolled their children in school.
Today, they are not just surviving—they are thriving. They work hard, give back to their community, and are now taking a step they once thought impossible: buying their first home.
Rubiela sums it up like this: “After so much turbulence, you finally find peace.”
Why Welcome Matters
Rubiela’s story is one of resilience, courage, and the power of a welcoming community. Every day, families like hers arrive as refugees in the United States seeking safety and a chance to rebuild. And every day, people like you—volunteers, donors, and advocates—help make that possible.
At World Relief, we believe that no one should have to navigate this journey alone. Because when we welcome, we create space for hope, healing, and new beginnings.
Will you be part of the welcome?
Learn how you can help refugee families like Rubiela’s find hope and a future. Get Involved Today.
By: Angie Matiz, Communications and PR Manager
Rubiela’s journey is one of five stories that come to life in our Refugee Simulation, which is available at 420 Winton Road N, Rochester, NY. This immersive experience sheds light on the challenges and resilience of those rebuilding their lives in our community.
If you’re inspired to take action, getting involved with World Relief can transform the lives of hundreds of families right here in Rochester. Whether through volunteering, advocacy, or giving, your engagement makes a tangible impact.
- Contact us at 585-563-7175 to learn how you can be part of this life-changing work.
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