May 26, 2024

Hi everyone. well, it has been three months since our refugee family, Mauridi and Ascende, arrived at O’Hare airport. And things have settled into a pretty ok place, with a few exceptions. The family has continued to make friends and keep in touch with family, who are scattered around the US and the world. The world of communications has been so revolutionary for folks. Who would have thought you could literally talk to your Mom in Africa every morning for free? So they continue to put down roots, and spend as much time as possible learning English. Learning English is really the crux here since we have found literally no jobs available for those who have no English or Spanish. It is a harsh reality that though there are many jobs available in our area, they are hard to qualify for. So we continue to spend time helping them study. There was a goal set by Welcome Corps that the family would be independent and self supporting at 3 months. This has turned out to be a fantasy for our current situation. Bur we keep on keeping on. Things will get there. Meanwhile, all are healthy and enjoying spring in Wisconsin.