Maryann and Skip:
Our visit was wonderful and never knew that we had spent almost 2 hours of pure joy with the family. All thanks to this wonderful gentleman named Yonus, who is from the same place and was able to talk very good English and able to translate in their language.
We got to know a little more about the family and their life in refugee camp and also a bit more about their culture. The kids were initially a little shy but warmed up so much that we spent rest of the time talking and playing with the little ones and giggling like little kids ourselves. Skip’s toy kitchen did the trick and Zebib was very engrossed in cooking although fake and Sameera serving us until we said goodbye.
I was very amazed at the family greeting us with a hello and asking us to sit and little Sameera saying goodbye. We heard that Zebib gets up at 5am in the morning and asks her parents when can she go to school.
Misgina is very enthusiastic learner and Kiros is the devoted wife who takes pride in her husband’s achievement. Misgina was playing with the Hooked On Phonics until we left and I encouraged Kiros to join in too.
She loves to watch her husband trying to learn the words and then ask him to help her out.
On our way out, we came to know that there will be a CTDA personnel to train them how to take the bus.
We also got some requests from the family.
* Kiros needs either a hair-dryer or curler or both(I couldn’t determine what exactly Misgina meant when he said about her hair).
* They wanted an electric skillet with a cover to make a traditional dish which they have been longing to eat.
* The family is having a doctor’s appointment in January and wanted to know who is going to be taking them to the doctor.
One last thing. Yonus lives very close to them and works in a small store close by. Amazingly, he was just passing by and said to himself that Misgina looked like someone from his country and, sure enough, he was. I told him he was an angel in disguise for the family. Perhaps this friendship will prove fruitful for them.
