Mbamie

She hasn't had a whole lot of breaks in life. She never went to school because by the time she was at a place in life where she could, they figured she was too old. She can hardly read or write, and that's in her own language. When war broke out, her husband was not found, their home was burnt down, she was pregnant with their second child and in danger in a country that now considered her an enemy. Her siblings were fleeing to America. She filed along with them, as a single mom.

She's been here several years now, but may never get over the feeling of being in a foreign place. She still can barely understand the language and classes are overwhelming. Even when I try to help her in French, she can't read or write it. Filling out paperwork is a monumental task and America loves to inundate people in paperwork. She's about done herself in working nights, but she does what it takes to make it. She found out that her husband is alive and applied for him to come, but delays have come as the African US embassy doesn't trust that the US immigration paperwork from here is bonafide.

She has simple goals: Learn to drive. Get husband here. Get citizenship.

Things are so different from what she is used to and so difficult for those who can not learn in our traditional ways. She's failed the learner's permit 4 times now, the last time even when I translated. It freaks me out thinking of her driving on our roads, but this ain't Africa where every 3rd car is an affordable taxi. She missed the bus one day (it takes about 2 hours to get anywhere) and took a taxi to work. It cost her half her wages for that shift. She found a ride home.

I can't imagine the issues she faces, the heartache she's felt, the isolation and feelings of defeat. She said she'll try the learner's permit test just one more time before giving up.

I don't know if you've seen a permit test in a while. I'm not sure I would have passed it. And the learner's book is like reading chinese.

Father, help Mbamie to learn to drive, pass the test, speak English. Give her relief. May her husband come soon. Pour out your abundant blessings on her and her household. May she know the comfort that You are her real abiding place, so that wherever she goes, she is at home with you.