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.
I arrived a moment after John, the case worker and interpreter from CCS. He brought his two young nephews with him. The family seemed happy to see me again. At the end of the visit I was sure they were happy as their 9 year old daughter, asked where Abby, our 10 year old, was at. I was sweetly surprised to hear her ask specifically about Abby, just as one would as a friend does, having remembered her from the airport. I pulled up a quick Facetime video so the kids could say hello.
While we waited for everyone to come, I asked to use the restroom and found that the bathtub was being used to wash clothing. I was not surprised by this because just an hour earlier I spoke with my co-worker, having learned that her husband had come to the US as a refugee from Bosnia in the mid-90s. In asking her what his family’s early time in the US was like, she said:
- lonely,
- confusing,
- full of new foods (less desirable),
- American appliances,
- Fahrenheit temperatures instead of Celsius
- Challenges learning English
Now, 20 years later, they are well integrated into America with her mother-in-law now a house cleaning supervisor at the Marriott where she started her first job in America cleaning rooms. Her father-in-law is now a big-rig truck driver traveling across the nation. Her husband (teenager when he arrived) has graduated from college and works a good job. Anyway, I digress – the laundry in the bathtub was no surprise given this conversation
I was surprised to find that they had a cell phone already – learning that it was provided as part of the various basic services through CCS/government. Papa Kasongo gave me his phone number and I sent him a text with mine.
Within 10 minutes, a small army of volunteers descended upon the home along with Alejandro, the CCS volunteer coordinator. By army, I mean that there were 6 volunteer families/individuals represented, plus one on vacation and unable to attend. Once all expected arrived, the meeting began, with what I found to be a surprise.
Alejandro asked if the Kasongo’s knew why we were all here. John, interpreted the question and the answer came back – “No”. Explanation followed:
- the difference between the CCS employees and the volunteers
- What is a volunteer, background checks, they will be safe people to help your family
- Expectations like communication between volunteers and the family regarding keeping appointments (or notifying if need to change) – a calendar was provided to the family for writing down appointments. All volunteers wrote down when they planned to visit.
- Asking for material possessions (CCS helps supply those and volunteers are encouraged not to provide hand outs but help teach self sufficiency)
- Alejandro explained that in America one of the great things is the freedom to say “yes” or “no” to things. Then, he asked the Kasongos if they would like these volunteers to help them and become friends. They said “yes” (I found myself wondering “does anyone say “no” and, if so, what happens when they do?”
After the “business” items, it was time for questions. Some of them were:
- Q: What town/city did they come from in Congo?
- A: Eastern Congo
- Q: How long were they in refugee camp?
- A: 6 years in Namibia
- Q: What employment/careers did they have?
- A: In refugee camp, Willy had a job as security guard; Mutumbo made food to sell.
- A: In Congo they were sustenance farmers
- Q: What education / schooling have they had?
- A: A few years, but not a lot
Marinda and I left a page with our faces, ages, and phone numbers as a handy reference for the family. There was a group photo taken with the volunteers and the Kasongo’s, goodbyes were said, and we headed off our separate ways into the cold, dark winter evening. It’s good to see a diverse group of people that came together to provide care and assistance for a family coming from dire circumstances to begin a new life. It will be good to have a new page in their lives as legal immigrants to the United State begin with a small support group around them.