In April, a Santa Monica family opened their home to a family of Ukrainian refugees amid turmoil in their country. Now, after months of learning from one another, Thanksgiving brought them even closer.
"I am so happy that I am here with these people and be grateful that they exist and that they were born on this Earth," said 16-year-old Mark Molot of Ukraine, who has been adapting well to life in the U.S.
Molot, his mother, brother, uncle and his uncle's girlfriend reunited Thursday with the family of Andy Lauer. Nearly a year ago, the family fled their war-torn country, finding peace and safety in Los Angeles thanks to the Lauers and the community's support. "Just seeing the looks on their faces ... lost, unsure of what was happening next," said Lauer. "Now, when I see them back at our table, it's just ... it's such a cool feeling knowing that I see peace in their eyes and in their smile."
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