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.
Yesterday we visited the Kasongo family. The oldest daughters, ages 15 and 13, had started school that morning. They were full of excitement with the new adventure of school in America where there’s relative safety, peace, and opportunity. They seem to recognize clearly that education is a great privilege and opportunity. As we talked about their experience, I discovered that they went to their first day of school in sandals, the only footwear they own, having worn it here during their trip from Africa. It’s January in Salt Lake City with weather of 20 degrees F for the morning low and the afternoon high was 32 degrees F. I am disturbed that their first day – walking to the bus and then into the school in cold weather was in sandals. It’s even more bothersome to me that they’ve been in Utah a month and most of their family does not yet have shoes! Turns out the family has insufficient coats – fairly light weight; not winter coats – especially for people who have never seen snow until arriving in Utah. We took a trip to a local thrift store where I invited the two girls to pick out some boots and I purchased for them. (CCS, the NGO resettlement agency strongly encourages that we not provide gifts to them as we’re trying to teach independence. But, we just couldn’t let them go to school again in sandals at this time of year.)
As I write this, I’m on a train passing through the University and can see hundreds of students walking – not a one is wearing flip flops or sandals. All are wearing shoes or boots. On a bright note, it’s entirely possible that these girls could be one of these students in just a few years – just like a young man I met on the train recently who immigrated from Sudan about 5 years ago.
We understand that through CCS they should be getting coats and shoes. Clearly there’s a problem since a month has passed since their arrival. (Perhaps CCS struggles to get sufficient donations?) Or maybe I’m misunderstanding something as the family has been asking for help with shoes and coats. Yesterday they had a cultural orientation meeting at CCS and they were able to get coats for everyone, but no shoes.
Another challenge they are facing is missing luggage. They’ve asked about their missing bag several times – their English skills are limited (but much better than I am at any other language). When they loaded the plane in Africa, they had 6 bags. Upon arriving in Salt Lake, there were 5 bags. Just like that, over 15% of all their material possessions – gone. Now, try figuring out how to use a phone, navigate a phone tree to speak with someone, file the lost luggage claim, and with limited English is near impossible. So, nearly a month after arriving, they are still hoping to get their things back. I spoke with Jet Blue, but learned they only received 5 bags. Now I’m trying to reach South African Airways, but that’s been difficult – either calling during limited business hours in America, or trying to figure out how to call overseas. Hopefully they can receive their luggage or at least some financial compensation for the lost items.
We also spent some time getting their TV and DVD player (donated items – old “tube” TV and DVD player). With no remote, it was challenging. The DVD is working now, but they only have about 3 kids movies. Without an antenna, the broadcast signal is worthless. I’m trying to track down one to give them.
Our kids had fun playing games and toys together, baking cupcakes, and just being kids together. The teenagers braided Abby and Hannah’s hair, which they enjoyed.
Now, even with these frustrations, the Kasongos are clearly happy to be in America, excited about their opportunities, and have a positive happy outlook. I want to clearly state, that they are patient with frustrations and have much good going on in their lives. I also recognize that I’m writing this from the point of view of a white middle class man who has lived in safety and security throughout my life, never having even traveled to a war torn country or even a peaceful 3rd world country. My perspective is very different from them and their background in that they recently came from those places and are now experiencing a 1st world nation for the first time. They’re a good example to me in keeping a positive outlook even in unpleasant and frustrating situations.