Willy called me recently, obviously concerned about a pressing problem. I thought to myself “After the challenges they faced, what now?”. They’d arrived in Salt Lake 6 weeks ago to find the airlines lost one of the six bags of luggage (16% of everything they brought to America), they had struggles getting food assistance working properly, after a month here, they still had no shoes and were walking in sandals and socks in the snow with only light weight jackets. “What could it be now?”, I wondered. “They’ve had their share of struggles in their new country, and don’t deserve more.”
After took several minutes of patiently questioning, rephrasing questions, and trying to simplify to be certain I was correctly understanding – the heat in their home was not working. And this at the start of February! It was a blessing that a warm spell was coming through so temperatures were starting to rise above freezing outside at least. What could I, as their friend who spoke English and knew how to navigate the American world do to help. A call to the gas company confirmed that the gas was shut off. Even that was a challenge since I was not an authorized person on their account, so the company would not nothing more than confirm the gas was turned off. Eventually, through a three way call and patiently asking Willy to confirm name, birthday and other info, the gas company was authorized to speak with me. Turns out, some paperwork between the relief agency and the gas company had gotten lost and the Chibangu family didn’t recognize the notices about gas being turned off. I communicated with the relief agency of the problem, who said they were very busy but would work to get it taken care of. Unfortunately, by the end of the day the gas bill had not been paid.
At this point, with them facing another day without gas in the winter (company turns gas on the next business day, unless an additional $100 emergency fee is paid), we decided to just pay the bill to get it turned on.
We asked Willy to call or text once the gas was turned on. Unfortunately, Friday night I realized the call had never come. A text with to the other volunteer that had been helping on this matter found he’d not heard either. By the time we stopped by Saturday, they spent another night without heat. Everyone survived and we got the gas valve opened, furnace turned on, and the hot water heater restarted.
I’m impressed with the patience of the Chibangu family. In the American society I was raised in, this would have been very frustrating and bothersome. I’m certain they were concerned and cold and wanting the problem fixed, but they came across so patient in waiting and working through the issue. I’m venturing a guess that having fled their home for safety, lived in a refugee camp for 6 years, they are quite patience, especially in matters that are simply discomforting and not a threat to their safety or security.