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.