How This Refugee Lives the American Dream
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Living the American Dream: My Story as a Refugee
If you don’t know me or haven’t read my book, Refugee: Embracing the Journey as Strangers and Foreigners on This Earth, you might not guess that I’m a refugee. Born in communist Romania, I arrived in the U.S. as a 4-year-old with my parents, who fled oppression for a chance at freedom. Today, I’m living what many would call the American dream—but for me, it’s more than just a phrase. It’s a life rooted in gratitude, opportunity, and faith.
Let me take you through my personal journey and share what living the American dream means to me.
1. The Journey to Freedom
My family’s story begins in Romania, where my parents risked everything to escape the grip of communism. They longed for a life where they could make their own choices, free from government control and oppression. The escape was perilous, but their vision of a better future fueled their determination.
In Austria, we awaited approval to immigrate to the United States. Finally, when I was just a toddler, we entered the U.S. through New York City. My refugee status was stamped clearly on my documents:
"Admitted as a refugee pursuant to sec. 207 of the INA act."
This stamp was more than a legal formality—it symbolized hope, freedom, and the beginning of a new life.
2. Gratitude: The Foundation of My American Dream
If I had to sum up my American dream in one word, it would be gratitude. Gratitude for my parents’ bravery, for the opportunities this country has provided, and for the chance to build a life of purpose.
I vividly remember the day my parents became U.S. citizens. My dad, who had worked so hard for this moment, turned to me with tears of joy in his eyes. I didn’t fully understand it then, but I knew it was a momentous occasion. That memory reminds me daily of the privilege it is to live in a country where freedom is possible.
Living the American dream, to me, is rooted in appreciating the opportunities I have and recognizing the sacrifices that made them possible.
3. Freedom to Build: My Entrepreneurial Journey
For me, the American dream is the freedom to create. As an entrepreneur, I wake up every day excited to build something meaningful. My business isn’t just a job—it’s my passion, my ministry, and my contribution to the world.
The phrase “Every day is Monday” has become a personal motto. It reflects the joy I find in working toward my dreams and the responsibility I feel to honor the opportunities I’ve been given. Whether I’m brainstorming new strategies, working with my team, or solving problems for our customers, every day is an opportunity to grow and make an impact.
The American dream is not about accumulating material wealth; it’s about freedom. It’s the freedom to work hard, pursue your passions, and create something that outlives you.
4. Family: The Heart of the American Dream
Another cornerstone of my American dream is my family. My wife Katie and our three daughters, Hannah, Esther, and Lydia, are my greatest treasures.
Our daily life is simple yet meaningful. We start each morning together, sharing coffee (for the adults) and conversation in the sitting room. We eat meals as a family and spend quality time together, whether it’s working on projects or creating memories on vacations.
The American dream isn’t about working so much that you neglect your family; it’s about building a life where you can thrive together. For me, success is seeing my family flourish.
5. Faith: The Anchor of My Dream
Faith is the foundation of everything I do. My journey from Romania to America doesn’t make sense without God’s hand guiding every step. It’s His grace that brought us here, and it’s His purpose that drives me forward.
The freedom to worship openly is a privilege I don’t take for granted. In my business, faith shapes our mission and inspires us to fund gospel-centered initiatives around the world. Through our partnership with ICM.org, we’ve been able to support over 35 church development projects across seven years. This, to me, is the ultimate expression of the American dream—using the freedom we’ve been given to make a lasting impact for God’s Kingdom.
6. Defining Your Own American Dream
The American dream looks different for everyone. For some, it’s about achieving financial success. For others, it’s about education, home ownership, or career advancement. For me, it’s about gratitude, freedom, family, and faith.
But one thing is universal: the American dream is about opportunity. It’s about having the chance to define your own path, make your own decisions, and live a life of purpose.
7. The Call to Action: Live Your Dream
I want to encourage you today: take a moment to reflect on your own version of the American dream. What are you grateful for? What opportunities do you have that you might be taking for granted?
Don’t get caught up in the noise of politics or the materialistic pressures of society. Instead, focus on what truly matters—faith, family, and living with intention. Turn off the news, define your dream, and commit to living it out every day.
Final Thoughts
My journey as a refugee to America has shaped everything about how I live, work, and dream. The American dream isn’t just an idea; it’s a daily reality that I strive to honor through gratitude, hard work, and faith.
If you’re reading this, I hope my story inspires you to embrace the opportunities you have and live your own version of the American dream. Together, we can build lives that reflect the values of freedom, hope, and purpose.