Our experiences helping refugees resettling to America
Missing shoes, socks and luggage is rough.
Beating the executive order is a blessing.
Shoes – After we found out that the girls were going to school in flip-flops, Mike posted on Facebook looking for shoe donations. I know that people are generous and I know that many people like having an opportunity for service placed in their laps, but it is always amazing to see how much people do help. Continue reading “Shoes and More”
Have you ever gone to a new school wearing sandals and socks in the snow? Or sent your kids to school in flip flops when it’s below freezing outside? This photo shows the Kasongo family footwear selection in the entry closet. There was nothing more than the sandals and an empty suitcase. Continue reading “Sandals In The Snow”
A statement like “They need help with 
very basic things, like how to use a can opener” is instructive on the challenges of learning things that are very basic in America, but in actuality are very different from how much of the world lives. Continue reading “Can You Use a Can Opener?”
Tonight I was surprised by a friend request 
on Facebook. Mama Kasongo invited me to connect. I discovered that she and Papa Kasongo are both on Facebook; her as of Saturday and him as of last week. I know I shouldn’t be surprised, they have smartphones, which are essentially handheld computers – a valuable resource in America. Some might be concerned that government dollars are helping pay for smartphones; yet when I think about all that can be done – maps, job searches, emails, shopping, etc. on the internet, a smartphone is a great way to go. If I were forced to land in a new country and choose between getting a smartphone or a laptop first, I’d probably choose the phone. Continue reading “Facebook Friends!”
A train ride, bus ride, and then 5 minute 
walk this evening took me to the Kasongo family’s new home. Walking through the snow, there was a clue something wasn’t quite “typical” – the trash can on the street was overflowing, and the only one out at the curb on the street. I arrived there about 10 minutes early for the formal introduction meeting. A crisp, chilly evening, I appreciated being let inside right away. I was welcomed into their home and invited to sit down, but first asked to step into the bathroom. Another clue that they were coming from a different part of the world was a bathroom tub that appeared to be used for washing clothes and a bathroom window open on a 10 F day. Unlike many refugee families, which are resettled into apartment complexes where many refugee families live, the Kasongo’s are renting a 2 bedroom, 1.5 bath home on a quiet cul-d-sac. It’s in a what many would consider a less desirable part of town with a reputation of being a little rough at times. However, one only has to imagine that the family has seen horrible conditions and violence being run out of their homes in what I learned was eastern Congo, which may make this neighborhood seem more like a very pleasant spot. Continue reading “Formal Introduction Meeting”