We needed a ride from Brunswick to Portland where we would meet with the rest of the family for a celebratory meal after the graduation of our granddaughter. We contacted Uber for the short drive but my granddaughter worried that we would not get a response. It seems that few Uber drivers hang around in Brunswick because they receive few calls there. Happily a man named Luke agreed to deliver us but noted that he first had to drop off another customer. 

We sat at the pick up stop for a long time. So long that we began to wonder if our granddaughter had been right and that we would be left stranded when Luke never came. Just when we were about ready to give up his red car pulled up and stopped in front of us. He was dressed in a suit looking much like a chauffeur. He welcomed us and opened the car doors for us. He was very polite and professional. We soon learned that Luke was from the Congo in Africa. He was eager to tell us the story of how he came to live and work in Portland, Maine and we were happy to listen to his saga. 

Luke had worked in various positions for the government of Congo. He was well spoken and intelligent as evidenced by his perfect English and use of an extraordinary vocabulary. He was doing well in Congo when his daughter was born with a liver disease that threatened her life. The doctors told him that unless she received the kind of care that was unavailable where he lived she would die within five months. 

Luke and his wife were proud people but they realized that they were unable to determine what to do on their own. The turned to social media to share their story and to hopefully learn where and how they must travel to save their daughter’s life. They set up a Go Fund  Me site and soon were bombarded with suggestions and funds. Ultimately they were invited to Nebraska in the United States by a doctor who thought he might be able to help their daughter. Using the money they had and Luke’s influence with the government of Congo they quickly got passports and visas that would allow them to journey to Nebraska. 

Once in Nebraska their daughter was hospitalized for multiple tests. Weeks passed and nothing much had been done for her. The clock was ticking on her life and their funds were all but gone. Luke decided it was time to reach out to anyone on social media who might have a better idea for making his daughter well. Miraculously a physician in Portland Maine contacted him and invited Luke and his family to travel to yet another hopeful place. The doctor even provided the funding for their journey and offered a place where they might stay when they arrived in Maine. Virtually penniless and devoid of answers about their daughter the family was on the move once again with a wing and prayer. 

The doctor in Maine reaccessed the infant and quickly began a treatment that worked. Luke’s daughter did not die. In fact she is now twelve years old and thriving. Luke was so impressed with the kindness of the people in Portland, Maine that he decided to attempt to stay there and become a citizen. With the help out countless people his wish came true. The family set down roots and have lived in Portland, Maine for twelve years. 

Luke became a minister by trade with a sideline job of being an Uber driver. He and his wife had a son who was born in America and is a bonafide citizen. He admitted that he was probably considered to be poor by many of his fellow Americans but he laughed at the idea noting that being poor in Africa is a whole different level of want. He felt blessed by God and feels a deep regard for the United States even as he admits to problems that our nation is still struggling to address. 

Luke is grateful to the people of Portland. He sees himself as a Mainer. He is not without detractors who do not want him or his family in the United States. He gets his share of racist behaviors because he is Black and an immigrant but he focuses on the generosity that  overwhelms the ugly aspects of our nation. He is an optimist with a strong belief that God has greatly blessed his family. He loves the people of Portland and sees himself as a bonafide Mainer. He would not want to be anywhere else in the world.

The ride with Luke was almost spiritual. He was an angel who happened to be around to take us where we needed to go and along the way he inspired us with his good will and his amazing story. We stepped from his car enriched in spirit and I know that I will never forget him.