Dianne and Bob returned to the Lam's apartment on Wednesday evening for a follow-up visit.
NoSa very graciously brought them 2 cans of juice and a platter full of bananas, serving them on a little table that he set before them by the sofa.
He broke their hearts when he brought out his phrase book and earnestly and repeatedly pointed to the phrase "I need a good job." Interestingly it was right next to the phrase that said "I need a good paying job," but that was not the one he selected.
NoSa's Malaysian friend earnestly and patiently tried to explain to them that NoSa does not make enough money to pay the rent, while his Malaysian friend is just fine, as he is single, lives with 2 other men, so his share of the rent is just $200+. Dianne was shocked when they brought her 2 paystubs that showed NoSa worked only 20+ hours one week and 30+ hours another week. Not only does he make just $7/hour, he's not even working 40 hours/week - not even close. NoSa is very concerned about his ability to pay the rent - and probably also to pay for food and to pay back their transportation debt for coming here. This must weigh on him, because it's clearly a request that he's made to both Jill and Dianne. Dianne told him that we are praying for him and talking to people about his job need. She also tried to emphasize the importance of practicing English: "good English, good job."
Here are some other observations that Dianne made as they visited with the Lam's extended family:
It seems that men and women don't share the same sofa. And they certainly defer to men. They immediately offer the sofa to Bob, Dianne is clearly secondary. When the Malaysian friend came in, ZarZar's mother quickly got up and gave him her seat on the sofa and she stood, though there was plenty of room for them both to sit without touching. Then she sat down on the white plastic bench in a very cozy arrangement with ZarZar and the little girls.
Dianne and Bob have a brand new ink jet printer that they're not using and will bring to the Lams. Our desire is to get them anything that will facilitate their English. She wonders if the printer wouldn't be more useful in apt 328, given that there are 3 children in school in that apartment, but since they (and their possessions) travel freely back and forth, it will get used wherever it's needed the most.
Arriving from the Refugee Camp in Thailand
The Mying Mying family
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Tuesday, December 25
On Christmas Day, Jill returned to the Lams apartment with Dianne and Bob as they brought over a "new" used television. NoSa had told Jill that the old one broke and became "basura" (which is "trash" in Spanish), and when Jill emailed the team, several of our team members offered to bring over a used television for them. The Lams seemed very happy and surprised, too.
It was especially gratifying to see that the girls were actually wearing the outfits Jill had picked out. They solved the problem of the too long pants by rolling them up.
It is clear that Jill has developed a special bond with this family through her consistent presence in their lives. She has a very useful phrase book that makes some translation actually possible! And she has learned some useful Burmese phrases that clearly give great pleasure to the Lam family - it's pretty clear that they feel very honored by her effort. The little girls just flock to Jill, and the whole family really looks to her.
They never seem to be passive recipients of our gifts, but curious and active participants in creating their new life here. They are very polite in greeting and shaking everyone's hand - even the little girls - very polite in saying their hellos and good-byes. They sit on the floor and motion us to sit on the couch. It is clear that they have a pride in treating their guests warmly. They are always enthusiastically grateful.
Can you picture this...
ZarZar's sister is still not working. She is the one who lost her papers, so we don't know quite what is going on there. She is also very outgoing and enthusiastic- more like NoSa than like ZarZar (who is more quiet and retiring). Given her little bit of English, she would be a good candidate for a job.
What fun for these amazing volunteers to make Christmas so special for this refugee family from Burma.
It was especially gratifying to see that the girls were actually wearing the outfits Jill had picked out. They solved the problem of the too long pants by rolling them up.
It is clear that Jill has developed a special bond with this family through her consistent presence in their lives. She has a very useful phrase book that makes some translation actually possible! And she has learned some useful Burmese phrases that clearly give great pleasure to the Lam family - it's pretty clear that they feel very honored by her effort. The little girls just flock to Jill, and the whole family really looks to her.
They never seem to be passive recipients of our gifts, but curious and active participants in creating their new life here. They are very polite in greeting and shaking everyone's hand - even the little girls - very polite in saying their hellos and good-byes. They sit on the floor and motion us to sit on the couch. It is clear that they have a pride in treating their guests warmly. They are always enthusiastically grateful.
Can you picture this...
- Jill sitting on the floor trouble shooting the computer
- Bob and NoSa also on the floor setting up the tv
- ZarZar sitting on the floor (7 months pregnant!)
- ZarZar's dad in a chair off to the side - the patriarch quietly observing the action from the sidelines
- TinSay crawling in and out of the crib and over the top of the dresser - she's very active
- ThaZin curled up on the couch next to her aunt (Tin Say and ThaZin carry their Christmas present princess dolls everywhere)
- ZarZar's mom next to Dianne on the other side on the couch, with her youngest 8 year old daughter (ZarZar's sister) at her side
ZarZar's sister is still not working. She is the one who lost her papers, so we don't know quite what is going on there. She is also very outgoing and enthusiastic- more like NoSa than like ZarZar (who is more quiet and retiring). Given her little bit of English, she would be a good candidate for a job.
What fun for these amazing volunteers to make Christmas so special for this refugee family from Burma.
Sunday, December 23
Jill delivered the Lam's Christmas gifts today. The girls loved the little dolls; TinSay got Sleeping Beauty and ThaZin got Cinderella. ZarZar really liked the shirts and NoSa appreciated the jacket and gloves. ThaZin kept one present wrapped up; apparently she wanted a surprise for later. Jill had written down all the words to say that the gifts were Christmas gifts from the church. However, NoSa had no idea what she said so she had to point out "gifts" and "church" in her translation book so he knew what she was talking about.
They have a dresser now next to the crib, which will be for the baby. The baby also has some stuffed toys already. ZarZar is definitely getting larger, and her baby is due on February 27. She seems to move with ease and sits on the floor and gets up without a problem.
NoSa would definitely like a new job. He is concerned about the rent as they were calculating and he has to work over 100 hours to pay the rent at his $7/hour rate.
They are moving along on the English but there is a long way to go. Jill found some useful material in the back of Zack's old workbook for word repetition and fluency, so they practiced on one sheet and she left it with NoSa to build up speed for when she comes back.
TinSay and ThaZin have had their TB problems cleared up. Jill reviewed those letters today to confirm this. That is good news.
NoSa appears willing to talk about Burma. He told Jill that he used to have to carry heavy loads to make money. 20 kilos gave him 4000 of some kind of currency. He carried them on his back and head. It sounded like he carried rocks or stone, and he may have also been carrying them through rocky mountains (it was a picture of waterfall on large rocks that evoked this memory for him) but whatever it was it was heavy. There were DKB (Democratic Karen Budhist Army) soldiers in the hills ready to fire so there was constant concern there. He said the soldiers were there also on the Burmese side of the river until they crossed safely to Thailand.
They have a dresser now next to the crib, which will be for the baby. The baby also has some stuffed toys already. ZarZar is definitely getting larger, and her baby is due on February 27. She seems to move with ease and sits on the floor and gets up without a problem.
NoSa would definitely like a new job. He is concerned about the rent as they were calculating and he has to work over 100 hours to pay the rent at his $7/hour rate.
They are moving along on the English but there is a long way to go. Jill found some useful material in the back of Zack's old workbook for word repetition and fluency, so they practiced on one sheet and she left it with NoSa to build up speed for when she comes back.
TinSay and ThaZin have had their TB problems cleared up. Jill reviewed those letters today to confirm this. That is good news.
NoSa appears willing to talk about Burma. He told Jill that he used to have to carry heavy loads to make money. 20 kilos gave him 4000 of some kind of currency. He carried them on his back and head. It sounded like he carried rocks or stone, and he may have also been carrying them through rocky mountains (it was a picture of waterfall on large rocks that evoked this memory for him) but whatever it was it was heavy. There were DKB (Democratic Karen Budhist Army) soldiers in the hills ready to fire so there was constant concern there. He said the soldiers were there also on the Burmese side of the river until they crossed safely to Thailand.
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Thanksgiving Weekend
NoSa works at a car dealership, washing cars. Because he must make several bus connections to get from his apartment to his job, he leaves home at 5 AM to begin work at 8. After a long day of work, he takes the same bus commute back home in the evening, arriving home around 7:30. He would love to find a job closer to home, but for now, they're very grateful for the work that he has, as they are now beginning to take on the payment of their rent, utilities, food, clothing, etc. Because NoSa is gone all day Monday through Friday, and he often works on Saturdays, it means that he is unable to take the ESL (English as a Second Language) classes that are offered for new refugees. He practices with some of our volunteers, but it definitely makes it more challenging to not be able to take the classes.
One of our volunteers, Jill, has been spending every Sunday afternoon with the Lams, helping them to figure out grocery shopping, budgeting, practicing English, etc. We're in the process of buying baby things for the baby that is due next month, as well as Christmas gifts for their first Christmas in America. What fun it is to get to share all these new adventures with the Lams!
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
November Update
Wonderful news to share!!! ZarZar is expecting a baby in early January! She has had a few health issues since first arriving in the USA in August, so it's understandable that she gets a little tired (not to mention trying to keep up with two very active little girls), but she seems to have good spirits and a fair amount of energy in spite of all that.
NoSa has a job now, which is a wonderful step as they become more and more self-reliant. The family is just beginning to take English lessons, and they are working hard to overcome the challenges of learning a language that is so very different from theirs. The good thing is that there are many people in their apartment complex who are willing to help translate, so communication is not as much of a stumbling block as it could be if it weren't for all that help.
Several of Grace's volunteers brought NoSa, ZarZar, ZarZar's sister, and the two girls: ThaZin and TinSay, to the refugee picnic. It was so fun for the Lam family as they had an opportunity to see many of their friends from the refugee camp that they came from in Thailand. They experienced the fun of playing frisbee and playing on the swings and slides and other equipment in the park. The girls enjoyed the balloons that they were given, although none of the balloons survived the park.
Thank you to all our volunteers who have helped the Lam's over these past several months so they could practice their English and feel connected, and to those who are now beginning to shop for Christmas gifts to make their first Christmas here memorable.
If you'd like to help provide Christmas for the family, or if you'd like to practice English with them, contact Dianne at diannepar@gmail.com
NoSa has a job now, which is a wonderful step as they become more and more self-reliant. The family is just beginning to take English lessons, and they are working hard to overcome the challenges of learning a language that is so very different from theirs. The good thing is that there are many people in their apartment complex who are willing to help translate, so communication is not as much of a stumbling block as it could be if it weren't for all that help.
Several of Grace's volunteers brought NoSa, ZarZar, ZarZar's sister, and the two girls: ThaZin and TinSay, to the refugee picnic. It was so fun for the Lam family as they had an opportunity to see many of their friends from the refugee camp that they came from in Thailand. They experienced the fun of playing frisbee and playing on the swings and slides and other equipment in the park. The girls enjoyed the balloons that they were given, although none of the balloons survived the park.
Thank you to all our volunteers who have helped the Lam's over these past several months so they could practice their English and feel connected, and to those who are now beginning to shop for Christmas gifts to make their first Christmas here memorable.
If you'd like to help provide Christmas for the family, or if you'd like to practice English with them, contact Dianne at diannepar@gmail.com
Friday, August 24, 2007
First 24 Hours
ThursdayNoSa, ZarZar, ThaZin and TinSay arrived on Thursday evening, August 23, around 6 PM.
Despite 3 days of travel from halfway around the world, everyone seemed upbeat and enthusiastic. Smiling faces and handshakes all around.
Kyaw Kyaw (it's pronounced Ja Ja), their case worker, drove the Lams to the apartment. Dianne went ahead, meeting up with Jill at the apartment. Within minutes after Jill and Dianne went inside, Kyaw and Kyaw and the Lam family arrived, quickly followed by ZarZar's sister (JuMaBee), who arrived in the US as a refugee just this past month, and many others from the local Burmese community. Kyaw Kyaw translated while Dianne went over the basic things in the apartment with NoSa and ZarZar. Little ThaZin and TinSay were happily beaming and bouncing all over their room, hugging the baby doll, playing with their blocks, and they quickly attached themselves to our Jill. Friends and family overflowed the living room couches. What a tumble of joy and excitement as the Lams were warmly welcomed into the embrace of the Burmese already here.
Friday...
ThaZin and TinSay were dressed in their new American outfits and were even more beautiful than yesterday. They're very curious and friendly, though just a bit shy. Too cute for words. The Burmese are a stunningly beautiful people, and of course, the children more so.
A Burmese friend at the same apartment complex, HlaMynt, came along for a trip to Walmart to buy some essential clothing items. HlaMynt is a young man who has been here a month and already speaks a bit of English, so he was able to do a little translation...just a little. HlaMynt was very proud to tell Dianne that he speaks Karen (an ethnic minority in Burma who are a main target of the persecution), Thai, Burmese, and now English. Dianne asked if watching TV was helping his English, and he told her that he didn't have one. That helped to explain the crowd gathered around our little bitty TV last night!
ZarZar made a beeline to the little girls department and picked out 2 sweet little dresses (Muslims seem to prefer to dress the little girls in dresses). NoSa had a hard time choosing a pair of pants - he finally settled on one. They shopped for him in the boys department and he chose a size 12 boys. It was the right length, although we're thinking it would have been better if we could have convinced him to buy size 16 (Dianne told him not to cut off the tags until he tries it on at home and is sure it fits). He'll wear the longyi (Burmese wrap-style skirt) at home, but western pants when going out.
Lastly, ZarZar shopped for herself. The smallest size they could find at WalMart was a 4, so we're hoping it's not too big. ZarZar chose a red polo shirt (she very definitely wanted the red one!) and a pair of casual capri length pants. Thank goodness for capris, as they won't be dragging on the ground.
Next week...
Kyaw Kyaw will be taking the Lam family to many appointments to get all their paper work in order. He's confident they will be working within a month; in fact, NoSa already has a job waiting, pending his papers. They will take ESL classes right at the apartment complex. Kyaw Kyaw already explained our money to them, and they seem to be very quick learners. Dianne left a map for them with the local grocery stores, Walgreens and 99 Cent Store marked.
So how can we help?
Our main job is done - we've provided a home with all the basics, but we may yet be called on in the weeks to come. And of course, please keep them in your prayers.
Following this very busy week with Kyaw Kyaw, they might need us to take them for basic food shopping. ThaZin will need school supplies and perhaps a backpack. They might need to be driven to appointments, like the doctor or dentist.
When they start their ESL classes, they will surely benefit from frequent, short practice sessions with some of us. They'll have study materials from the ESL classes, so if this sounds like something you'd enjoy doing with them, let us know.
All political asylum refugees are required to pay back the cost of their transportation to the US - payback starts quickly, at their 6 month anniversary. The good news is that NoSa seems to be outgoing, quick, enthusiastic and independent-minded. We envision them making a good adjustment.
Grace has done an amazing job providing everything that was needed for the family's arrival. We'll continue to keep you updated as to what is happening in their lives and where you might be able to help.
Timeline - Getting Ready
- August 10 - G-Mission went out letting Grace folks know of the need to help with sponsoring the Lam family
- August 11 - Already, people have begun calling and emailing, and our core team of Dianne, Jill, Stephani, Peggy, Pat, Krisit and Michelle has been put together, with a "furniture transport" team of Tom, Jim, Gary, Pat, Dave & Joe
- August 12 - passed out the info sheets at Grace, listing all the furniture and items that are needed for the family's apartment
- August 13 - have most of the furniture "pledged," including the double bed, which is discovered by Tom as a "free to good home" answer to prayer in the front of someone's yard near Tom's kids' house
- August 14 - the cell phone is set up, and we receive the keys to the apartment at Los Compadres Apartments at 35 Ave/Dunlap
- August 18 - sofa/loveseat and some of the groceries are delivered to apartment
- August 19 - All the smaller items are brought to Zuni Hills and are loaded into pickup trucks for delivery to the apartment that afternoon; the rest of the furniture is picked up from various homes and delivered to the apartment; beds are set up, dishes are put away, food is put in fridge, toys are placed in ThaZin and TinSay's room
- August 21 - Perishables are purchased and last-minute touches are put on apartment
- August 23 - All is ready for the Lam's arrival!
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