Refugee Resettlement

June 5 Update From Jill

2011-06-14T18:08:00.000-07:00

Hello!
Another successful visit with the family!
Maung Say is attending church on Sundays now. It is in the Karen language and he is very happy to be able to go. We practiced saying "church" in English as the end of the word is so important for us to hear in English and in many other languages the ending is softened. Of course, good ol' English, the "ch" in "Christ" does not have the same sound so we went over that too as he asked. He wasn't able to tell me where the church is as he is still learning the roads.
I brought them a barrel of monkeys game which proved to be very popular and May Paw was particularly good at it. Some neighbor children came over and also enjoyed it. Their case manager, Win, has introduced them to other Karen families in the complex and I could tell they were enjoying the company.
I will be slightly altering the time of my visits going forward to allow them enough time to get back from church in case they all attend. I have learned how to say "Sunday" in Karen. The last family said "Sunday" differently but I think I have this one down already. It sounds like "oh bween nee". It means "break day". All the other days mean 1st day, 2nd day, 4th day, etc. It makes sense now that this has been explained to me.

The Maung Say Family Has Arrived

2011-05-22T20:18:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures of the Maung Say family. The first two are from the arrivals. In the first picture are the mother Say La Paw, the father Maung Say, and the 17-year old daughter May Paw. The 14-year old is not pictured. There is also a wheel chair attendant on the left. Several people have asked me who he was so I tell you so you know he just works at the airport.

After the first family assigned to us didn't get to the make the trip at all, and the second family had a mechanical problem with the plane that delayed them leaving Thailand we were starting to wonder if we would get to meet a new family. But on Friday, 5/20/11, the new family completed their trip from Thailand to Japan to LA and then arrived in Phoenix a few minutes early! Yea! Alycia, Cheryl, Kate and I were there to greet them, and Alycia had the great idea to bring them flowers. The mom was temporarily in a wheel chair but hopefully medical assistance here will help her leg heal and she will be able to walk without much difficulty. The family came with two bags and three backpacks. I was filled with awe and sadness that all of one's life could be in such small containers.

After a tour of their home by the case manager, Win, we served the family a meal and then left them to rest up. They got to rest all Saturday and I think they were resting when I arrived Sunday at 1:00 p.m. But they perked up and we were having a nice visit. I took a picture of all of them so we have the 14-year old Than Paw in the picture now. She's on the right in the complete family photo.

The family came from Mae La camp, as have all the families we have helped. They were able to bring some family photos and showed them to me. It's nice they have such memories and that they had family in the camp too. I wasn't able to find out yet if the other members were still in the camp.

The family does speak a little English and knows the alphabet and how to say some words. They may even know a little more than they let on! They asked me how to use the microwave and what the red stuff in the bottle in the refrigerator was (vegetable juice). From that I found out they wanted some chilies so since we couldn't find any I took Maung Say and May Paw to Fry's. Getting them to understand I needed them to come with me took about 5 minutes of repeating myself, using hand gestures and pointing to my shoes and their feet but eventually we got it together and now those two are well aware how to put seat belts on too! The father felt bad telling me he had no money but I told him I knew, he would have some soon and I would buy the peppers this time. Thinking back, it was still easier than the time I was trying to find fish paste a few years ago!

I had a great visit with them and look forward to my next visit. They are delightful. They hope they can come to our church sometime so that is something that will hopefully be done this summer.

Jill

Mying Mying's Family Has Moved

2011-05-05T14:22:00.000-07:00

Mying Mying and her family, which we helped to resettle when they arrived from the refugee camp last year, has now moved to Texas to be with other relatives there. Jill says, "I will miss them. I really liked the mother, Mying Mying, as she was close to my age and just seemed a super lady. Hopefully she won't have to work overnight at a job there."
We are so thrilled for them that they will be close to other family members. Richest blessings!

Jill's February Update

2011-02-22T05:44:00.000-08:00

I thought since we were embarking on a new adventure that I could briefly update a somewhat open entry from last fall, just in case anyone was reading. In fall 2010, I was going to help a former Burmese refugee whose wife was a refugee in Malaysia get her to come to the U.S.A. I had little idea of where to start and at first I didn't have any luck.
Then I emailed the International Office of Migration which was actually able to give me a date of when she was coming! He had had many false hopes but we felt very confident when the IOM gave us a date. Unfortunately, Lutheran Social Services wasn't the sponsor for her so I wasn't able to be her volunteer helper.
She came just after Thanksgiving. Her husband rented an apartment and the two of them have been starting a new life together after being separated for many years. I finally met her in late January and she speaks some English and is a lovely woman.
We also had a family move away from Grace but before they did they were kind enough to inquire if the refugees we help needed any furniture. They donated a high chair to the family with a baby, and the family put it right to use. So the spirit of Grace has continued to help these people even after they have been in Arizona awhile. We look forward to the next family we are able to meet.

Christmas gifts for Mying Mying's family

2010-12-25T10:43:00.000-08:00

Judy, Ron and I delivered Christmas gifts to the Mying Mying family today Lutheran Social Services likes to give each family gifts the first year they are here.

Only Mying Mying and some friends were there. The kids were at a religious service.

Not only did we bring them gifts but we also received some as Mying Mying had purchased a cake and some soda for us. She has always been very giving which seems a good lesson for me that if you want to share, you can find a way.

We inquired about her job and it is going well. She will get a shortened week for Christmas and New Year's. Since she works those long overnight hours, it's nice she will get a break from them but I don't know if she doesn't get paid.

We also saw that the kids were doing well in school and had received honor certificates which were hanging proudly in the livingroom.

I recently learned how to say "thank you very much" in Karen and was able to say that and the friend commented on how I was learning some Karen. They really seem to appreciate when you take the effort.

So for the whole experience I say (phonetically) "da blute pa dough".

Mying Mying has a job!

2010-11-21T17:05:00.000-08:00

Update from Jill:
Mying Mying was happy to tell me that she starts work on November 22 at the Royal Paper Company. This is the same location where Ah Mee worked before they moved to Minnesota. It is the same hours too, unfortunately--10 hour days overnight, putting tissue in boxes and paper towels on rolls. It is a start, though.

She seemed to indicate her English classes were over, although she can still go because they're during the day, but at first she will probably be tired. So I won't be going over there every week now as she liked me to review her lessons with her. I would be happy to still go, but think she thinks I'm only supposed to help her with that or other small things. I will miss seeing Mying Mying every week but will figure out something to keep in touch.

Ron, Judy and I will be delivering Christmas presents in December. Lutheran Social Services looks for sponsors to give each new family Christmas gifts the first year they are in America. It's fun to bring them surprises.

November Update from Jill

2010-11-04T14:00:00.000-07:00

Mying Mying is feeling confident to go to the bank to make a deposit herself. She told me what she would say in English--"I want to deposit"--and I understood her perfectly and then we practiced it a few more times. I am proud of her.

Most of the refugees are aware of the upcoming November 7, election in Myanmar. It is the first in 20 years. In preparation the leaders changed the country's name to the Republic of the Union of Myanmar (from the Union of Myanmar) and created a new flag.

Jill's Latest Endeavor

2010-10-07T20:20:00.000-07:00

My latest adventure is trying to help a refugee who came here in 2007 and who I met through the NoSa Lam family. I am trying to help his wife come here from Malaysia. She has been a refugee there for two years. They have been apart for seven years. This weighs on him a lot as they have been apart most of their married life and he feels his chances for having children are dwindling until she gets here.

I learned last night that Malaysia has no refugee camps, so the refugees who are there must pay for their own apartments, etc. They are registered by the UNHCR, and today on their site, I learned that 90% of the refugees there are from Myanmar (Burma). It is interesting to find out all the differences in refugee life.

So far I have not had luck with what this person asked me to do, but I will keep trying. I was able to contact the U.S. Embassy in Malaysia but they said the case number was not in their files, so I am waiting for the UNHCR field office to see if they reply.

The Mying Mying's At School

2010-10-03T17:14:00.000-07:00

The Mying Mying family has been here 6 months now. Everyone is going to school. The children are in grades 4-8.
Mying Mying is taking English lessons at the complex and also takes classes at Shepherd of the Valley on Fridays with a Burmese group. They seem to learn a craft and about childcare. It is a set program with graduation in December.
Jill says, "I go over weekly and she reviews her English classes from the prior week. She writes notes in Karen, but that is okay as I write notes in English when I am trying to learn a new language."
Thanks, Jill, for doing such a great job taking care of this family and keeping us part of the process. What a blessing you are!

July Update from Jill

2010-07-17T10:07:00.000-07:00

The Mying Mying family is doing pretty well. We had the problem today of them getting a piece of mail and not knowing what to do with it. I am pretty good at solving mail-related problems so I was happy to help. There was a problem with Mu Doh Paw's insurance. The hardest part of the whole thing was getting them to realize I needed to see her insurance card as a copy had to be sent in with a form. That took quite a bit of explaining and showing my own card, but then Mying Mying figured out I needed the card and got it. It was just 1 number wrong. The second hardest part was finding a place to copy the card but eventually that was done, too.

In getting the card they showed me some other paperwork, and I learned they were registered as refugees in 2005. Compared to NoSa Lam, it wasn't that long ago, but how traumatic it must have been to have to leave your country. It turns out there also is another living sibling but I do not know if she is still in camp or in another state. They frequently ask me about Omaha, so I believe someone important is there but our exchanges don't allow me lots of questions still with the language difference. My vocabulary list of Karen is progressing but is only words. They have taken to telling me how to say a lot of the things in Karen that we see in workbooks, etc., that I say in English. It helps me feel a little more connected.

The experience is wonderful and I enjoy the hugs from the younger children and look forward to my visits.

Update on Ah Mee Family

2010-05-17T21:00:00.000-07:00

The Ah Mee Family has come a long way since they first arrived almost 2 years ago. They are contemplating moving to Minnesota to be closer to other family members, and with all that they've learned since they arrived, we are confident they will do well. Po Lone came to church with Jill, Ron and Zack last Sunday, and it's amazing to hear how fluently he speaks English now.

Here is a picture of the Ah Mee family. For the picture, they are wearing Karen shirts, which is a design of the Karen people. They also gave Ron and Jill a gift of Karen shirts. Jill and Ron were incredibly blessed by their generosity and so honored to receive a gift that reflected their homeland.

Mying Mying Family going to school

2010-05-10T04:16:00.000-07:00

The Mying Mying family has begun going to school. Mying Mying takes classes held right at the apartment complex for refugees, and has been learning time and parts of hotel room. The children started school, and I helped Mu Mu Paw with some exercises in two children's magazines she received at the school. They are still enjoying the television set that was donated to them.

You may have been wondering about the Ah Mee family. We lost contact for a number of months, but they are still in the same apartment. In order to save money, they had the phone turned off for a few months. I went to visit on May 2, and it was so good to see everyone. Ah Mee gave me a big hug. Po Lone and the girls have grown up quite a bit since school started. They will all be going to summer school to help further their English acquisition. Po Lone will then go to a program to receive the GED and to take some workshops at ASU. He has received a scholarship to the workshops. The family is also considering moving to Minnesota to be closer to Ah Mee's brother's family. They have been considering it for almost a year now but have July as a target date if they do move. That will be their two-year anniversary here in America. They have heard many stories about the cold and snow potential there. They want a family photo so asked me to return next week to take it.

Jill's observation

2010-04-21T22:31:00.000-07:00

Jill sent this email that seemed like something we should share:
"In case you hadn't seen it at Zuni Hills, on the back wall behind the camera stand, there is a quote by Aung San Suu Kyi that says: 'We will surely get to our destination if we join hands.' How appropriate since Aung San Suu Kyi is from Burma and we are assisting Burmese refugees. It just made me feel that we are on the right path."

Update from Jill - April 12

2010-04-19T20:57:00.000-07:00

On April 5, I went over to see the family and we had fun with them telling me how to say some things in Karen and me telling them how to say the English word for items in their apartment. I also took them some clothes and it was good to see I got the size right on a lot of them. We made plans for me to go back on April 10 so one of them could get shoes and I now know the Karen word for shoe: "kaw pee".

On April 7, Ron and Judy and the case worker Win met with the family and made plans for them to deliver some bicycles sometime in the next week. We had been hoping to find a television for the family, so I sent an email this week to some people in the church and awaited a reply.

On April 10, I went back and brought along a book of the alphabet. It turns out the children had learned the alphabet in the camp and they had good pronunciation of some of the basic words by sounding them out. So that was good for them. Using my grasp of the Karen word for "shoe" and the help of the little 10-year old neighbor friend, the oldest daughter (Mu Doh Paw) and I finally got on our way to find some shoes, and she found what she wanted pretty quickly. Later that day I got great email news that someone had a television for the family. She would bring it to church on Sunday.

April 11, we received the tv. The challenge was how to get the tv from the car to the upstairs apartment. My husband has a bad back and so does Ron. I called HaRon (who has been mentioned in earlier blog entries) and asked if he and a friend could help me. In the end, he said he could do it alone so we got to the apartment at the same time as Judy & Ron. They had an antennae for the tv and I had purchased a converter box. HaRon carried the tv on his shoulder up the stairs and then had the added benefit of finding out that even though he doesn't speak Karen, Mying Mying did understand Burmese but didn't speak it! So he was able to explain things a little more quickly than we would have otherwise, and also interacted with a neighbor who speaks Karen and Burmese. He was also able to give encouragement about learning English since he came in January 2008 and couldn't speak English and now can act as translator! (He has done super at learning English and taking classes and practicing.)

What joy there was at receiving the tv. The neighbor children came in and the family hugged Ron, Judy and me. Ron and Judy also brought 3 bikes. It was fun to have us all there at one time. I am happy we have a group helping. Giving felt really good.

I am including a picture of everyone in front of the tv.

Jill met the Mying Mying Family

2010-04-05T19:49:00.000-07:00

I finally met the Mying Mying family today. I was glad Judy had supplied the picture so I recognized the mother right away when she answered the door. The family does not speak English or even Burmese, but just Karen. Thankfully, there are some neighbors who can translate.

It's a little challenging when you don't know any of the language, but we already shared some smiles and laughs because of my gesturing to explain things and demonstrating the vacuum cleaner I had brought. They would like a television and some bicycles for the kids. They have learned the word for bicycle already. (Michelle's note: our experience has been that televisions are wonderful ways for them to start learning English).

I am happy that the apartments are within easy walking distance of the Fry's supermarket. None of the other families have easily been able to walk to the store.

They seem like a very nice family and I look forward to getting to know them a little more.

The Mying Mying Family has arrived

2010-03-26T01:46:00.000-07:00

It was after 11 PM on Wednesday night, March 25, 2010, when Ron & Judy Gavette met the Mying Mying Family at the airport. Imagine how tired everyone was during this first meet and greet. Details of the family's resettlement to come!

New Refugee Family Arriving

2010-03-16T10:05:00.000-07:00

We are looking forward to starting with our next family on March 24, 2010. They are from Burma as well. They are a widow and four children ages 8-13.

We are fortunate to have some donations from Living Water Lutheran Church for the furnishings.

If you would like to be involved with this wonderful opportunity to welcome and assist this new family, please contact Jill at jcrsinaz@juno.com

Would You Like to Join the Refugee Cluster?

2010-02-01T19:58:00.000-08:00

The last few months of the year were pretty busy for Jill as she worked with the refugee families. Jill writes about her many trips to the doctor's office with the one of the refugees: "She was pregnant, and in November, we had to start going every week. I can let you know that I found a wonderful resource for refugee women in the Refugee Women Health Clinic in the Maricopa Integrated Health System on Roosevelt Street.

On December 14, I was called early in the morning and drove BraKet to the hospital, where I helped get things sorted out initially. Later in the day, I was there for the birth. Amazing!

Sophia is a sweet baby and the father is very happy to say she was 'made in the U.S.A.' I had a hard time getting him to believe she was a citizen from birth. Not every country grants that privilege.

Also since the last entry, I have been practicing English with a few people and solving other problems for a variety of people, mostly by grasping the situation and being able to make contacts on the phone. It's a great feeling to tell someone you were able to get the answer that was needed.

More and more of this recent group of refugees I spend time with are starting to take adult ed English classes which will boost their confidence in dealing with new situations. It is wonderful to spend time with them."

If you would like to join Jill in this exciting adventure of bringing Grace to these families, email info@faceofgrace.org to get more information about being part of the newly forming Refugee Cluster.

The Ah Mee Family and Lam Family Update from Jill

2009-08-25T16:02:00.000-07:00

Ah Mee family--Po Lone had a problem with his bike tire. We went to get it and it was shredded. We took the tire to see if it could be fixed and that night the rest of the bike was stolen from the apartment complex. So we were left with a tire and no bike. His friend's bike was also stolen. I asked J.D. if he could see if any of the youth had a bike they no longer wanted. J.D. was able to find a couple of bikes and today we delivered one to Po Lone so he could use it to get to school. Thanks, youth!

Lam family--Tin Say started kindergarten August 10. She had already learned part of the alphabet as her family had been working on it with her. She wasn't sure she would like school but does now. ThaZin is in 2nd grade this year. Their baby sister is talking up a storm and walking all over the place. There is a lot of activity when she is around.
ZarZar is working at Lee Lee's again so the girls stay with their grandparents when both NoSa and ZarZar are at work. I have been going to the grandparents' apartment on occasion to help one of ZarZar's sisters with her computer so I have gotten to see the girls a bit.
This past Thursday there was a feast at NoSa Lam's apartment before the start of Ramadan and I was invited. I am very appreciative to be included in big events like that.

A Well-Deserved Award

2009-08-07T02:48:00.000-07:00

Jill Coughlin was selected for the Wells Fargo Volunteer Service Award for the work that she has been doing in helping to re-settle the Burmese refugee families that Community of Grace has sponsored over the past several years. Jill's compassion and commitment to these families has made a lasting difference in their lives, and we are so blessed by the way she has embraced these families on behalf of Community of Grace. A $1,000 gift was made in her honor by Wells Fargo to Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest to help them continue this amazing ministry to refugee families. We are incredibly proud of Jill, and so grateful for her selfless service. Congratulations, Jill!

Jill's Response:
Community of Grace played a large part of this because if it wasn't for Grace, I wouldn't have had the opportunity to serve and learn and have the wonderful experience of meeting and helping these people. I am grateful for the privilege.
Thank you!

One Year Anniversary

2009-07-21T23:22:00.000-07:00

The Ah Mee family has been here one year now. Jill Coughlin went to visit and bring them some goodies for the anniversary. Kyaw Kyaw, their caseworker, talked to them and they are not going to look for another apartment here. However, they are considering moving to Minnesota. Ah Mee's brother, who came one month before they did to the U.S., lives in St. Paul and would like them to move nearer for both family and religious reasons. There aren't a lot of Karen Buddhists here in Arizona, but there are more where the uncle lives.

They are not sure about the snow and cold but would like to be by family. Po Lone promised to call when they decide so we can say good-bye. Let's pray for the Ah Mee family as they are considering this huge move!

Almost a Year

2009-06-08T21:54:00.000-07:00

Here's the June update from Jill:

I'm fresh back from a visit to the Ah Mee family. They looked well, and Po Lone and the girls are speaking more and more English. They are all going to summer school but apparently it is only for 16 days.

The rent on the apartment has gone up, so they are hoping to find a different place to live. Because they are also repaying a portion of their flight from the refugee camp (that's part of the refugees' agreement with the Refugee Resettlement program), they have to make sure that the rent stays close to the same amount that they are currently paying. Now they spend $846 on rent. Their airplane repayment bill is $124. I actually thought they got a good deal on that for 5 people as NoSa is paying just under $100 for 4 of them and that was from a year prior.

I saw their caseworker, Kyaw Kyaw, on Monday. He told me that he is getting up to 3-4 new families a week and is working 7 days a week to try to keep up with the caseload. So many refugees are still coming, even in this tough economy. I asked Po Lone about his brother who is still in a camp in Thailand. He now has a baby girl. They are delayed in applying to come because his wife hasn't been issued a refugee card yet due to the continuing influx of people from Myanmar. Once she gets a card, it could take a few years for the application process to go through. They are then hopeful he will come to America. It must be so hard for Ah Gate and Ah Mee not to have all their children here together. It also turns out they have an uncle in Minnesota who came in June of last year. It makes you wonder if they thought they'd all get placed together when they came. What a shock to discover how many miles separate Arizona from Minnesota.

It's hard to believe that it's been almost a year since the Ah Mee family came to the United States. With so much to learn and such a different culture to get acclimated to, they have come a long way.

Po Lone said he would like to worship in a variety of English-speaking churches, so we are going to bring him to Grace with us again some Sunday.

Our Families Are Doing Well

2009-04-15T19:02:00.000-07:00

Jill Coughlin continues to be a part of the Lam and Ah Mee families' lives. Here was an update that she sent on Easter:

"I went to the wedding today of one of ZarZar's sister, and I took this picture of Tha Zin and TinSay. TinSay was excited to show me that she had lost a bottom tooth.

I am inspired by how well their community has expanded to include people who have been here many years and relative newcomers. I am also honored to be included. If only I could speak better Burmese! I would like to be able to string several sentences together. I mostly seem to know odd words but have definitely mastered days of the week and 6:30. I go everywhere at 6:30 and even Ron and Zack know what "chaut gnaw ye quay" means when I say it.

ZarZar's sister, Jummarbe, married NoSa's cousin, ArLi. They will now live in the second bedroom in NoSa's apartment. HaRon (who we bought Christmas gifts for) lived there until he married another of NoSa's cousins and got a different apartment. I spend a lot of time with HaRon and his English is really getting good. When they take English classes and then have someone to speak with outside the class, it seems to help.

I also went to visit the Ah Mee family tonight. They looked well and happy. The girls' English is coming along. I brought some books that a co-worker donated for them and they recognized Spongebob Squarepants right away, although Mya Min Way told me she didn't like him so much because he was a boy. I brought them a tv converter box for the DTV switch. After some time we got it hooked up and working and while scrolling through the stations, we came to one on Thailand and its elephants. This particularly interested Ah Gate so they all enjoyed watching the show.

I tell you, the tv converter box is my biggest challenge in trying to get people to understand. It just doesn't make sense to people when I say that in June the television will stop working if you don't have a box and without it right now you have an "A" in the corner. I don't want them to throw their tv sets away thinking they don't work anymore!

Christmas Gifts for Ha Ron

2008-12-18T19:27:00.000-08:00

Even though we didn't sponsor HaRon when he arrived from the refugee camp in Thailand early this year, because he is living with NoSa's family, Jill unofficially adopted him during her many visits with NoSa, ZarZar and the girls.

So this week, Jill brought a few gifts for HaRon when she went to drop off the beautiful, hand-made needlework doll house that Shirley Zingsheim had made for ThaZin, TinSay and ThatThat Nai. The girls weren't at home when she brought it over, but HaRon, ZarZar and NoSa thought it was delightful.

HaRon was very touched and happy and surprised that Jill had presents for him, too. It was fun to watch his smile light up his face as he held up his new shirt to show Jill that it would be a perfect fit.

Christmas Gifts for Ah Mee's Family

2008-12-16T09:53:00.000-08:00

Jill Coughlin and her son, Zack, purchased and delivered Christmas gifts to Ah Mee's family last weekend. Jill thought the family seemed very surprised by this and didn't really know how to react. Jill explained, "They didn't open them while we there, which I had sort of expected. When I had given the girls small birthday gifts (since their birthdays were near mine), they hadn't opened them then, either. Mya Min Way looked like she wanted to open hers, though."

Zack used the money that he received as part of the Kingdom Assignment from Pastor Tim to purchase a gift for Mya Min Way, so that was a great moment to capture in a picture. Way to go Zack!

Ah Mee's New Job

2008-12-13T05:16:00.000-08:00

Ah Mee has a new job. She started just before Thanksgiving at the Royal Paper Company putting tissue into boxes. The hours are difficult as she works 4:30 PM to 3 AM, but because of the 10-hour shifts, she has Friday, Saturday and Sunday off to be with the children. Because buses don't run at 3 in the morning, Ah Mee must pay for some kind of car service, which costs about $100 a month to bring her and some other people home at 3 AM. That's a huge expense for this family, but she is grateful for her job.

We also learned recently that there is another child in the family. He is the elder son and is still in Thailand where he got married without the rest of the family being there. It was very disappointing for them not to be with him for that. He is hoping to be able to come to the United States with his new wife to join his family here.

Mya Min Way's "new" bicycle

2008-08-26T21:04:00.000-07:00

Mya Min Way received her "new" used bicycle today, so all 3 kids are now the proud owners of donated bikes. It's a great way for them to get to and from school and to get around. With 3 bikes on their little patio, it looks like they need designated parking.

Update from Jill

2008-08-21T17:27:00.000-07:00

Exciting news! Ah Mee got a job and starts tonight. She is working at a hospital from 10 p.m. - 6 a.m. From what I understand she used to be an eye doctor but she probably isn't doing that here yet. But the job is a good start and a little faster than I thought it would be.

The kids are all in school and spend part of their day learning English. They get a bit confused by all the Spanish-speaking students but I said it won't hurt them to learn a little Spanish either. Po Lone told me he learned a little Japanese while in the camp when we were looking for other languages we each spoke. I said it was good to be able to speak a variety of languages and encouraged him to always continue with Burmese even when he spoke English more. He has a book that shows some writing from about 20 different languages. He showed me and I was confused a moment because it was a Bible but he said they are still Buddhist. One just never knows what they will encounter when working with the families. I think it's fun!

A Day in the Life of Refugee Resettlement

2008-07-16T20:14:00.000-07:00

What an adventure! The past two days have been filled with mission and detective work, and Jill Coughlin has become the master of this. This weekend, through much trial and error, Jill was able to figure out that Po Lone was very upset because he lost his backpack during his journey here. After Michelle had given Jill a CD with the pictures that we took of the family's arrival at the airport and their first glimpse of their new apartment, Jill was able to see that Po Lone had the backpack when he arrived at Terminal 4, but he didn't have it as we were leaving the airport.

That resulted in a phone call to Sky Harbor Airport, where Jill processed the necessary paperwork for Lost and Found. In the meantime, we placed frantic calls to Lutheran Social Ministries to see if perhaps their case worker had picked it up or if Po Lone had left it in their van. On Tuesday morning, we got the word from Sky Harbor Airport that they had a backpack that fit the description, so Joe drove to Sky Harbor to identify it and pick it up. Going through the backpack, he found what looked to be Burmese books, some dirty laundry, and lo and behold, some pictures of Po Lone and family and friends that were obviously precious to him. When Joe and Michelle returned the backpack to Po Lone on Tuesday evening, he was so overwhelmed with joy, we thought he was going to weep.

While at the apartment, we asked if they needed anything, and Po Lone translated for Ah Mee to tell us that they needed vegetables and fish "pace". We couldn't figure out what he was saying, so we asked him to write it, and he wrote "fish path." Because we had no idea what vegetables they needed, and no clue what fish path might be, we took Po Lone to Fry's and walked up and down every aisle, letting Po Lone choose the things the family needed. We never did find fish path, and he was very disappointed.

So today, we contacted Lutheran Social Ministries to try to figure out what they were looking for. Donna told us that it's fish paste, and it can be found in Oriental markets. This evening, Jill went to the apartment, armed with her new knowledge that fish paste in Burmese is a word that sounds like "gnaw boo". Ya Min and Mya Min were able to help Jill figure out that fish paste comes in a can, so Jill explained that she would buy 2 and bring them the next time she came.

Off to the oriental market she went, only to discovered that fish paste comes with a number of choices, including crab and shrimp. She decides that shrimp is a good choice, so picks up 2 cans of that. This made sense that Po Lone would write "path" because to the non-English speaker you might not hear the "s" sound. As she's scanning the aisle one more time, what do you think she finds? Fish pate, so now she's thinking, "is this what they meant?". So she got one of those too, and will bring them to them on Friday. She was never able to establish how much of the stuff a person would use or what they used it for, but it's definitely a learning process.

Jill's reaction to all this: "I feel like I don't know what I'm doing sometimes, yet it's fun and I don't mind. I know I wouldn't be doing these things if I wasn't involved, so thank you again for that."

If you'd like to join Jill on this bold, daring, reckless adventure of bringing Grace to a refugee family, email michelle@faceofgrace.org and we'll put you in touch with Jill. The fun never stops!!!!

Two Days After Arrival

2008-07-10T14:30:00.000-07:00

Jill & Jacinda have been following up with the family, and they were happy to discover that the family is already making more friends! The apartment was full of people, just as we have often encountered with the Lams (the family we sponsored from Burma last year).

Ah Gate and Po Lone were wearing the shirts Jill had picked out and they looked very nice. The girls looked very pretty as they were wearing some of the clothes from the Kvittam-Barr girls.

Jill set up the time for Don and Yuqin to go clothes shopping with the family on Saturday. To help them to understand when they'd come for them, she drew a picture of a clock and Jacinda drew a July calendar.

Jacinda brought a music player, much to the delight of the girls. She tried to get them to know it was to share; I'm sure they all will.

Po Lone is actually doing better with English today. Although Jill's Burmese pronunciation always seems to be different (we think she has an accent from NoSa's area, because he's the one that has been helping her with her Burmese), everyone has been perfectly happy to help her. They were pleased when she said "good-bye" the way they taught her, although they did confirm that she also knew how to say it another way. Now she must practice both ways.

Although Ah Gate doesn't speak (he was partially paralyzed by a stroke 5 years ago), he seems very aware of all that is going on, so that is good.

Big Day for Ah Gate's Family

2008-07-08T21:35:00.001-07:00

On Tuesday afternoon, July 8, Ah Gate, Ah Mee and their three children arrived at Sky Harbor Airport after two days of journeying from the refugee camp in Thailand. They were greeted at the airport by the case worker from Lutheran Social Ministries, and by Jill Coughlin and Joe & Michelle Halonen from Grace.
After loading their 5 bags of belongings into our vehicles, we drove them to their new home. What a wondrous thing to behold as we watched them walk through the door of their apartment and look around to see all that had been prepared for them. Ah Mee was so overcome with emotion that her eyes continually filled with tears. Ah Gate, who suffered a stroke about 5 years ago, was obviously exhausted from his journey. When Po Lone helped him from his wheelchair onto the very cushy couch, Po Lone was so comfortable that he quickly fell asleep, even though he was sitting up.
Mya Min and Ya Min were giggly as they explored their new home, and were especially delighted with the bunk beds they would be sleeping in. Even though we couldn't understand the language, we knew they were each putting dibs on the top bunk.
Po Lone, who recently turned 18, has obviously taken on the role as leader for his family. He listened intently to all the instructions that were given about how to turn on and off the lights, how to regulate the air conditioner, how to use the vacuum cleaner and microwave and rice cooker and stove, and how to use the telephone.
It was fun watching Jill as she spoke a few words of Burmese with the family, and Ah Mee was deeply touched by Jill's desire to communicate.
Jacinda and Tayler Sartorius brought a roasted chicken, and together with Jill, they provided refreshments and dinner for the family's first dinner in America.
In these pictures, you can see Jill trying to communicate with the family using her Burmese word book, and you can see Jacinda showing Ya Min how to turn the living room lamp on and off. What a fun first day in America!

Preparing for the Ah Gate Family - July 2008

2008-07-07T19:11:00.000-07:00

Jill Coughlin is heading up the team of volunteers who will be working with Ah Gate, Ah Mee and their family when they arrive this month. A lot of time, effort and amazing generosity of Gracer's has gone into the preparations for their arrival. Mike & Kim Ricker drove many miles throughout the valley to pick up furniture, and Jill & Ron and Michelle & Joe spent many hours sorting through the donations and getting the apartment ready.

February Update - Baby Lam!!!

2008-02-18T07:39:00.000-08:00

We have a new baby!!!! On February 6, 2008, Zar Zar gave birth to That That Nai (pronounced Tat Tat Nay). Mom and baby are all doing fine. They came home from the hospital the following day, and the girls are delighted with their new sister. We've been able to provide a few basics such as a crib and some diapers, etc. Jill learned that when That That Nai is visiting her grandparents' apartment, she is sleeping in the doll crib we had found and brought over for the girls to play with.

NoSa has a new job....Hurray!!! He now works at the Lee Lee Oriental Supermarket in Chandler. His hourly wage is about the same, but he doesn't have to get up as early to take two buses like he did for his old job, and it seems that he has steadier work hours, which is really nice for him. If it's sold in Asia, this mega-store likely stocks it. Opened in 1990 by a Cambodian refugee (how encouraging for our refugees to see how well refugees can do in America), Lee Lee specializes in mainstream foods, such as soy sauces, noodles, rice and sesame seeds, along with the unfamiliar. The market's seafood counter, with barracuda, anchovies and live catfish, and its sprawling produce section, with daikon radishes the size of footballs, have no match. There are many languages spoken there and apparently someone keeps thinking NoSa should speak Indian (he was laughing at that joke).

Thursday, December 27

2007-12-27T15:45:00.002-08:00

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.

Tuesday, December 25

2007-12-27T15:28:00.000-08:00

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...

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

It was fun to be in that room with everyone. ZarZar's mother is very outgoing - very eager to tell how many brothers and sisters she has here in this country. Of course, this is all done with hand gestures and a (very) little bit of translation by ZarZar's sister and Jill's phrase book, so it would surely be pretty comical to anyone watching from the outside.

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

2007-12-27T15:12:00.000-08:00

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.

Thanksgiving Weekend

2007-11-25T16:39:00.001-08:00

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!

November Update

2007-11-14T16:07:00.000-08:00

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

First 24 Hours

2007-08-24T22:37:00.000-07:00

Thursday
NoSa, 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

2007-08-24T22:35:00.000-07:00

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!