Refugee Family Update
Before Makandja and Bobasha arrived on the scene we were given the opportunity to help out another family. Here is there story:
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| Visiting the Beach |
Agnes (age 41) and her three children are refugees originally from The Congo. George is 15, Daniel is 13 and Jennie is 11. Both George and Daniel were born with the debilitating disease of Sickle Cell Anemia. In their more than 8 year journey through Zambia, Zimbabwe and South Africa, they have experienced hardships that we have only read about in books. With babies and toddlers literally on her back, Agnes single handedly lived with her babies in refugee camps with no food, running water or electricity. She worked in whatever capacity she was able so that her family could survive and get to America and often had to make hard choices between food, medicine and school for her children. She is one of the strongest women and dedicated mothers we have ever met.
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| Jennie's 5th grade Graduation |
The family has now been in Evanston for 18 months. All of the children are in school and Agnes has a job cleaning at a hospital making $11.50/hour. We have been volunteering to help Agnes and her family and through the generosity of so many, we have managed to get them out of their roach infested one bedroom apartment into a clean, safe, two bedroom apartment.
We have also been able to get paperwork in place for their Green Cards, communicate with the children's teachers, get the children involved in activities, help the children begin to catch up in school, take the children to doctor appointments, help Agnes learn to read English and drive in order to become independent, help Agnes change her shift from the night time to the day time so that she can be home with her children, food shop, write checks and generally navigate the new and often confusing culture of America. Frankly, the list is endless and the learning curve can be steep.
Those gorgeous smiles you see are what we see every day we are with them. Despite their difficulties,they are some of the most loving and appreciative people we have come across. Agnes, George, Daniel and Jennie have become like extended family to us. They have made permanent imprints on our hearts.
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Agnes and Jennie making new friends |
George loves soccer, video games and is interested in the Galaxies. He has seen the most heartache of the three children and has had to look after his siblings from a very young age. George is quiet, contemplative and very kind. When you gain George's trust, you will have a friend for life. He is a rising sophmore at Evanston Township High School. Due to lack of opportunities, George reads at a second grade level but is working hard to close the gap.
Daniel is a gregarious, curious and resourceful rising 8th grader. Daniel always has a huge, infectious smile on his face that lights up a room. Daniel enjoys soccer and wants to learn how to play piano. He makes friends wherever he goes. Daniel also reads below grade level but when Daniel sets a goal, he will work hard to achieve it.
Jennie is an adorable, exuberant rising 6th grader. Jennie has a beautiful voice and will begin singing in the Evanston Children's Choir in the fall. Jennie is very responsible and bright girl who is deciding whether or not to be a doctor or a teacher. Jennie has had little math instruction and is working on foundational skills.
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| Daniel enjoying a treat at Highland Park Water Park |
Agnes will do anything for her children. She is very smart, strong and creative. Agnes has held many jobs over the years and is an incredibly hard worker. Agnes loves to sew and she makes beautiful clothing. She is learning to read English and would like to take more advanced English classes at Oakton Community College one day. Agnes has the equivalence of a 12th grade education.
Many of us see stories of refugee families on the news that tug on our hearts and think we would like to help. If you want to get involved let us know.
Thank you for your kindness,
Melissa Cook and Susan Gottlieb
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