Varajići arrived in the US as refugees, and today they own the restaurant "Taste of Europe"

Šefika and Izet Varajić arrived in Bowling Green, Kentucky in 1998, and left Bosnia and Herzegovina (Foča) during the aggression, spending six years in Germany before coming to the US, reports the BiH news agency Patria.

At a ceremony on March 14, along with about 60 other citizens, the Varajići became naturalized Americans, and yesterday they voted in the elections. It was the first time they had voted since 1990, when they last voted in BiH.

- It was a very happy day for me. I am grateful for everything I have here - said Šefika, speaking about the ceremony when they were declared American citizens.

Today they own the restaurant "Taste of Europe", but before opening their own restaurant, they worked several jobs. They came to the US with only a suitcase of clothes. Izet worked in a factory for a year, and then found a space for the restaurant. Izet had previously worked in a restaurant in BiH with his father. After two years, the Varajići opened the restaurant in the city center. After 16 years of living in the US, the Varajići have fulfilled their American dream. 

Their son is studying medicine in Louisville, and next year he is expected to become a doctor.

- We have a normal life. We have built everything we need in these 16 years - said Šefika Varajić.