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?”
Can You Use a Can Opener?
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?”
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?”
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. 
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.
of that surname. It seems to be most prevalent in the Democratic Republic of Congo according to one website. To aid in privacy, people mentioned in this blog will be given a pseudoname unless permission has been granted otherwise. For the family we’ll be helping, their pseudo-surname will be Kasongo, which appears to be a very common name in DRC – like Smith, Johnson, or Williams in the United States. Part of the instructions from Catholic Community Services have been to avoid posting photographs / video of the former refugee, now legal immigrant families involved for their privacy and safety. It’s certainly an understandable request. It’s also a request that makes blogging a bit more challenging as photos and videos can add great depth and interest to posts. I’ll see if we can still find some interesting ways to add media to posts.
mentoring through Catholic Community Services: The Kasongo family is scheduled to arrive at 11:08 PM , Tuesday, December 20th via JetBlue flight 071. It’s exciting to have the name of a family, who were formerly refugees and will now be legal immigrants that we’ll get to meet and help. 
