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