Debbie's blog

April 2010

Nadine’s family moved to Sunnyvale two months ago. The children have settled into their schools, and the family has figured out where to do their shopping, banking, etc. I continue to be amazed by the people God has put in their lives.

The elementary school is too far away for the children to walk; two neighbors in their apartment building volunteered to drive them. The middle schooler has a long walk to school and didn’t know anyone; a 7^th grade girl invited her to walk with her and her friends everyday and has been helping her meet new friends. One of the high schoolers needed more intensive help with reading; two volunteers, as well as one of the high school teachers, volunteered to provide weekly tutoring.

About a month ago, the family indicated that they were very concerned about getting up to date with vaccinations and finding medical care; within days, a public health nurse contacted them, scheduled all of their appointments, and is taking them to all their medical appointments.

Currently, 14 individuals provide weekly assistance to the family, mostly to help them learn English and help the children with schoolwork. Watching how God has answered prayers about helping this special family has been a humbling and joyful experience. I am blessed by being a part of this.

Jean's blog

Sunday, Nancy and I along with my husband, Ed, and my son, Connor set up the classroom in the second apt. There's still some details left to do but overall the family seemed quite delighted. The amount of English being spoken while they read the walls and the big books aloud was amazing. I'm very optimistic!

One thing that is clear to me is that they'll need an ongoing stash of drawing paper. So, if you could all start asking around, that would be great. I'm confident some will show up from somewhere. God has provided at every turn for this family!

Melissa's blog

The family has been living in the house since their arrival in September. What a blessing it has been that they could stay in this well-cared-for house (thanks to Catholic Charities and New Life Covenant Church) while they adapted to their first few months in this strange, new country. The children had an opportunity to get used to American schools; our church team had a chance to organize into committees; tutors were trained and matched with their students (thank you Refugee Transitions, Elsa and Jean); and most importantly Mom was close by Valley Medical Center for appointments and delivery of a healthy baby girl (thank you angel Barbara).

The last few weeks have been a significant time of transition as Catholic Charities formally ends their resettlement responsibilities and the co-sponsorship team from Sunnyvale Presbyterian takes on the responsibility of mentoring the family for this next year.

Katharina was able to find housing close to schools, shops and the church and the team was able to assist the family and Catholic Charities with the move this weekend. Kevin coordinated all the logistics while the Martin family, Jean, Ed, Jim Shaver and Adriana helped with the physical part of the move. Barbara Gamberg had Nadine, Jacqueline, Cecile and Faith at her house during the move. And Betty and Alison took Emeline, Odila and Simon for the day - they went to the park, saw their new schools, ate pizza and made cookies at Betty's house. Later Saturday afternoon, Katharina took them to Las Palmas Park and Pak-n-Save. Elsa provided dinner for the family Saturday night. The Papamarcos family walked them to church Sunday morning. It's been a huge team effort.

Before the move, Debbie and Mission Elder John Allen were able to meet with the family and a Swahili translator to help everyone understand how the church will be walking with the family during this next year of transition. It was a wonderful opportunity for everyone to ask questions, express concerns and talk about expectations.

Sister Marilyn Lacey (who will be leading our church’s women’s retreat in a few weeks) has pointed the team in the direct on of a Swahili speaking priest who is getting his MBA at Santa Clara U. He has offered to help bridge some of the deeper cultural / spiritual issues related to resettlement. The hope is that he will be able to mentor the family with regards to budget / finances on a regular basis.

Those who have had the privilege of working with the family and this team of dedicated volunteers over the last few months are grateful for this opportunity to see God’s hands and feet at work in the world.

If you'd like to help with the co-sponsorship team, please contact Debbie Shaver,
dmshaver@sbcglobal.net or call 408-737-1252.

Barbara's blog

I have been taking Jacqueline to all her medical appt since they first arrived. At first she was very shy. I would say words or point out things and name them. She wouldnt even try to repeat them. I even asked Nadine to help with parts of her body. I know that Nadine knows that as I taught it to her and had reviewed it several weeks before. Then thanks to all the tutors, Jacqueline is repeating words and seems quite pleased with herself. All the tutors are doing such a wonderful service for our family. Even more, their warmth has been felt by each and every member of the family. They listen when another family member is being tutored and learn so much. I think they also realize what big hearts you all have. Each of you has gone way beyond being a tutor. Your hearts are apparent as you walk in the door. And I have heard about all the special things you have done--spectacular!!! Making lemonade, trick or treating, haircuts, bringing extra supplies that you feel will be helpful. Faith brought our family here and God's love is being shown by each and everyone of you. I am so tickled to be walking down this path with you--its been such a blessing for me. To see Nadine smiling and carrying Cece, talking with her brothers and sisters--my heart just is so happy for Nadine. Plus getting to know each of the family has been a treat. The arrival of the new baby is supposed to be Dec. 5th. I will take Jacqueline in on Thursday--she has been going 1 time a week. So we are on the countdown!!!

Elsa's blog

Thanksgiving?

Yes, most of the family made it to our Community Thanksgiving, truly made driving worth it. After muddling through the communication confusion, Reza drove Mureke, Odelia, Emeline and Simone and were SVPC bound. Timing was good as I was in route and made a quick detour to get the rest, Faustine, Justine and Cecile. Upon arrival, the gym was filled with friends from here and beyond, Iraq, Bhutan, Burma, Somalia and Burundi to name a few. The kids were playing with all the other kids as Mureke looked on. I always wonder what's going through his mind. Faustine and Justine were fascinated with a simple infant/toddler learning toy.

The family were ushered to the line and they sat together with Reza and and at one point he was feeding one of the little ones. It was really a moment of affirmation of Reza's dedication to his work. All seemed to have enjoyed the fellowship and new foods.

Reza and Latifa, another driver who spoke French (thank you God) for the day helped them home. Hmm, I wonder what they shared about their experience that night? I wonder what adjectives they would use?

Peace and love to all of you who have embraced this family. They have a way of leaving an impression on our hearts- giving thanks.

Jean's blog

Yesterday Alison and I went to celebrate Halloween with Nadine's family. We had a great time! Alison made a jack-o-lantern with them. The younger kids chose the face and Faustine was awesome at carving it out. Then Alison roasted the seeds and had them taste them. Something to think about: when I showed the jack-o-lantern to the parents and Nadine, Nadine said something like, "In our country, this is food."

We both brought dress-up clothes and all the children had fun trying them on. Next was the trick-or-treating! We practiced at home first but they really didn't get it until the first house gave one of the children candy. Then they caught on really fast and everyone opened their bag!

I think the highlight was when Alison brought out "Jabber Jaw"- a skull that repeated everything that was said to it. They loved it! They talked and they sang to it. And I'm pretty sure that's the first time that skull has spoken Swahili!

Debbie's blog

Nadine’s family has been here for almost 2 months now. The children are attending school, the family is quickly learning the ways of our culture, and Nadine is overjoyed to be with her family after two years apart. The family is still living in a transition house. Catholic Charities is trying to find a suitable house to rent in the same neighborhood so that the children will not have to change schools. Bacinoni, the father is attending English classes, while Jacqueline, the mother, takes care of the youngest child (age 2) and prepares for the arrival of another child (she is due in December). We have a team of tutors working individually with each member of the family to help them learn English and to help the children with their schoolwork. The children are enthusiastic about learning and are all making progress with their English.

All of us working with the family are in agreement that this is one special family. and we are all so blessed to be a part of this journey. When we arrive at their house, we are met with huge smiles, big hearts, and an eagerness to learn and adapt to life here. It is an incredible joy getting to know them and receiving their openness and gratitude.

Debbie Shaver