Refugee Spotlights
Naw Paw’s Story
Some of you may remember reading in a past newsletter about Naw Paw and our Storybook Project. We are now in the final stages of editing and back translating her story into Karen before sending everything to the printer. We were surprised when her husband presented us with beautiful illustrations (pictured above) to accompany her story, and are…
Read MoreAn Education in Grace
Grace Kayesu is a 26-year-old Congolese woman from Uganda. Along with her 8 siblings, Grace came to the US in August of 2021 after losing her parents in Africa. When she was resettled in Amarillo, Grace was interested in going to college, but was told she should focus instead on getting a job at JBS, a…
Read MoreTools We All Have
Saturday night was our first Bridge Dinner of the semester. We invited Serges Hakizimana and his delightful family to our home for a potluck meal and a chance to talk together.
Read MoreAm I Brilliant?
Naw Paw grew up in a peaceful farming village near a river in Myanmar, where her family grew rice and other seasonal foods. She has happy memories of days spent catching frogs and fish in the river for her daily meals. Like many children, she started school eagerly. Unfortunately, her education stopped abruptly in third grade when fighting broke out between the Burmese and Karen armies.
Read MoreBridge Dinners Resume
If you want to sit down with neighbors like these, build relationships, lend an ear, and welcome the strangers among us, we have the perfect opportunity this Fall. In lieu of large Table Talk gatherings, we are planning a series of outdoor potluck Bridge Dinners at our house.
Read MoreTies that Bind Us: Sisters and Stories
I’ve recently been able to witness two separate interviews involving three different sets of sisters. These sets of sisters—who walk through life together, enduring hardships, encouraging each other, and striving for one success together—are beautiful reminders of the treasures of having community and support in every part of the journey.
Read MoreDreaming of Law Enforcement
I know what is happening in this world, and I know I want to be part of the change that happens in both America and Somalia.
Read MoreThaw’s Art in the News
In last month’s newsletter we shared about Thaw Klaw’s art. We were pleased to facilitate an interview with him for a feature in Amarillo Magazine. We are eager to celebrate strong leaders from refugee backgrounds! If you’re a subscriber, click here to read the article. For those of you who can’t access the story, here are…
Read MoreCelebrating a Local Artist
There are many thousands of refugees and former refugees in this city with their own unique talents. Let’s work together to celebrate them and encourage them!
Read MoreFrom Refugee to American Soldier
When you’re tempted to grow angry and vilify ‘those refugees,’ please think about Christar, who came as a refugee and left as a soldier.
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