My post today is very late and shorter than usual. Today was a busy day! I worked on my monthly activity tracker. I said goodbye to a friend on her last day of work at the City of Refuge. I also had the opportunity to hitch a ride with a co-worker to meet some new friends. "John" had asked for a ride to the Food Bank; his family of 20 lives in a house not far from the City of Refuge. When refugees first arrive in the States they are given a bit of money per family member and then the process begins for them to get a Social Security number. Once they have a Social, they can get food benefits (SNAP) and other benefits.
"John" was not waiting outside so we were invited into the house to have tea and chat with the ladies. "Bella" was a sweet thirteen year old girl who had missed the school bus that day but maybe her life was just so chaotic that she needed some mom time? Her adorable little sister is a toddler and such a happy girl. Baby brother was bundled up and grumpy until Mom pulled him out of his snowsuit.
Bella and Mom prepared tea and cookies for us. I was so curious about the tea that they drink so it was fun to try it. The tea was creamy and reminded me of "milk tea" that you can often buy in the Bubble tea shops...minus the bubbles.
The Afghan families love to spread a large area rug in a common space and then edge the perimeter with pillows. It looked like the kiddos slept, snacked, and played on the rug. Little sister was so adorable! For a time she sat on the rug and ate her cookies while chatting to herself in a mirror that she had propped up. I just love baby giggles!
Bella ran for her school iPad to use google translate so that we could chat. Her English skills are growing but not proficient enough for every subject. They don't like the cold weather in Columbia. Mom is very sad because her family is still in Afghanistan. Did we know when her family would be able to come?
Bella told me that her family moved to multiple countries (not counties) before they arrived in Columbia. One location was a military base in Washington state. Bless their hearts. These families have endured so much trauma and change in just a few months time. The little ones are resilient and happy as they are surrounded by family. Mom and Dad have sad eyes but put on a brave face. What a pleasure to meet them today!
Uncle must have misunderstood the meeting place because we ran out of time waiting for him. We actually met him walking back from the direction of the City. Unfortunately we were not able to take him to the Food Bank but there is already a plan in place to visit another day.
I so hope that we provided a ray of sunshine into this sweet family's day.
And of some have compassion, making a difference: Jude 1:22 KJV
Click here to find out more about volunteer opportunities at City of Refuge.
All opinions expressed here are solely mine and are not a reflection of the opinions of the Americorp VISTA program or of City of Refuge in Columbia, MO.
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