Refugee Ministry Team Update: Studying and Gratitude

Our refugee family continues to study English, Sylvia Settle tutors them once a week. When our team visits, the smart TV often has an English tutoring program on to help the family learn English. Both daughters, Rana and Sana, are excited to participate in a nearby Manassas Church that offers ESL classes. Rana has visited the NOVA Campus in Manassas with her father on several occasions to complete forms necessary for her to begin classes next year. She is not sure what she would like to study yet.

The DMV has become a wearisome challenge for Mohammad and his daughter Rana, trying to pass the written test for a learner's permit....but they persevere.

Two Saint James parishioners continue to drive Sana to and from school each Tuesday and Thursday, and are developing deepening friendships with the whole family.

Dr. Susan Griffin has offered free dental care to the entire family, and Rana and Sana have both had significant dental needs addressed.

A visit to our family always includes many "Thank yous" as we arrive and leave. We enter their home and receive hugs and warm smiles, and always some food and tea (chai) is offered. Simple but delicious food provides a way for the family to express gratitude to Saint James for all of the support and relationship that is key to the family feeling like they have a new home in America. Our Refugee Ministry team is thankful for the opportunity to serve and receive kinship from this family. We can always use more persons who would like to participate in assisting the family with driving and appointments.

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