AAPI Youth Voices embarked on the journey of interviewing AAPI individuals with remarkable life stories and significant contributions to our society. The younger generations, born in the U.S., yearned to hear narratives that had remained untold, stories that transcended national borders. It is through this mutual understanding that we come together as one unified community.
From Darkness to Light
------The Journey of Maylary Apolo
Maylary Apolo’s journey is a testament to her resilience and unwavering dedication amidst the adversities of life in a war-torn region. Hailing from Karen, she seizedthe opportunity to pursue education at the Teacher’s Training College. However, when conflict engulfed her homeland, she sought refuge in the Mae La refugee camp, where she spent two decades surrounded by bamboo-built homes and embarked on her path to becoming a teacher.
In the face of scarcity and uncertainty, bamboo emerged as the primary building material for homes in the camp. There was no college at the camp. Maylary took the responsibility to transition into roles as both a teacher and principal for students beyond the tenth grade, exemplifying resilience in the pursuit of knowledge. Beyond academics, her passion for music led her to teach piano to children and collaborate with the Bible school to provide musical education to the disabled, enriching the lives of many within the camp.
Amidst the trials of refugee life, Maylary found love and companionship. She married her husband, who served as a supervisor for the camp’s disabled population. They had a happy life and raised five children together within the confines of the camp. However, their joy was often overshadowed by the looming threat of violence.
One midnight, the camp leader instructed everyone to quietly vacate their bedrooms, gather downstairs, refrain from speaking, avoid using lights, and only bring a candle. In the basement, Maylary’s six-year-old son expressed his fear to her, saying, “Mom, I am scared.” Maylary comforted him and encouraged him to pray to God, assuring him, “There’s no need to fear, sweetheart. God is with us.” Together, they sat in silence, earnestly praying. Their unwavering faith in God sustained them through the darkest of times.
The tragic events of 1996, marked by a brutal attack orchestrated by Burmese military forces, claimed the lives of two individuals, and shattered the fragile peace of the community. Faced with such harrowing circumstances, Maylary’s determination only grew stronger as she resolved to secure a safer environment for her family. Their faith in God remained unshaken, serving as their beacon of hope amidst the turmoil.
In 2004, recruited organizations from developed countries arrived at the refugee camps, to assist refugees in relocating to different countries. Their steadfast faith in God opened doors of opportunity. In 2008, Maylary’s family was accepted into a resettlement program. Because Maylary’s mother lived in South Carolina, she requested the United States as their destination in the application. After passing medical exams and flight training, they finally boarded the flight to the U.S. Looking out of the window of the plane, they felt as though God was smiling on them, and they were filled with assurance, knowing that their fate rested in His hands.
After landing at the airport in New York City, they discovered that their next flight to South Carolina had been canceled. Maylary’s husband, recovering from leg surgery, could barely walk, while her five children were exhausted. They rescheduled their flight for the following evening, necessitating an overnight stay at a hotel. The children were famished, but they had no money to purchase food. They had to wait until 5 p.m. for their social worker to arrive and provide them with food. Despite their hunger, they sincerely prayed, unwavering in their faith that God would see them through this trial.
Finally, their flight departed at 8 p.m., and after a few hours, they arrived in South Carolina. Maylary found employment at Chick-fil-A, but their challenges persisted. Her husband’s diabetes diagnosis and subsequent surgery added to their burdens. Unable to afford the bills for medical and rent, they turned to the Church for assistance. Their trust in God sustained them through every trial, knowing that He would never forsake them.
In 2015, Maylary embarked on her journey at the immigrant law center, dedicating nine years to assisting immigrants. Feeling a divine calling, she transitioned to the role of chairperson for the non-profit organization Global Karen. In this capacity, she is devoted to recruiting Karen individuals from various countries, empowering them to express themselves through poetry, and fostering connections among Karen women.
Alongside her non-profit work, Maylary has served as an assistant pastor at a Baptist church for fifteen years, aspiring to help more people hear and understand God’s words, deeply committed to community service and spiritual leadership. Each day, she dedicates herself to prayer, and listening for God’s guidance, which consistently opens doors of opportunity for her and her family.
Maylary’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of faith and perseverance. Through every trial and triumph, she remains steadfast in her belief that God has the power to rewrite one’s story and provide an ending beyond imagination. Her unwavering faith serves as an inspiration to all, reminding us that no matter how daunting the journey may seem, with God, all things are possible.