During the week of my steroid treatment I was loopy and a bit crazy (ask Jason) but the upside was that I was able to get off the couch for more than 5 minutes. I took the opportunity to visit our friends from Congo and catch up with Nyasoni on all that has happened since I have been sick. We compared hospital stories since she had one surgery while I was sick and we laughed and prayed and shared.
I have missed them and the girls were all to happy to join me in visiting them and heading to the World relief Office.
our friend Mahoro shows off his work attire for his new job…
I also had an awesome opportunity to partner with World Relief Chicago to help tell stories of the programs helping refugees resettle in the U.S. and the people making a new life here in Chicago. I am excited that Hawa Images will be featured at their Mosaic of Service event in May at the Chicago Cultural Center and on some of their educational and publication materials. Combining my passion for photography and refugee support is a blessing!!
Here are a few of my favorite shots…
these 3 siblings just arrived from the Congo a few weeks ago and they also speak Swahili!
This little girl is from Iraq and could not resist the dress up clothes for the silly photo booth
I was able to see the many talented teachers and students taking part in the English classes and job training programs
There are also great early childhood programs offered and this day was parent interaction day and I spent the morning learning about rain, singing silly songs, and doing crafts with these kids and their parents.
After school there is a youth program for school age children and this little boy and his brother from Nepal had fun showing off their counting skills
This guy loved to smile and asked me to take his picture. He also shared a worn piece of gum from his pocket with me.
watching musical chairs is hilarious
Learning English is challenging but the classrooms were filled with laughter
You can check out this blog post at Hawa Images for more information on refugees, stories from the folks I met, and volunteer opportunities at World Relief in Chicago. Join us! See you there!
