Many people think that they are too old to learn a new language, but not the Senior women at In Her Presence! These mature ladies come to class each week and focus on improving their communication skills through reading, writing, singing, and sometimes dancing. This month, they shared stories about themselves that they wrote in English:
Marie Immaculee Kabazo
Hello everyone!
I am Marie Immaculee Kabazo. I was born in Congo which capital city is Kinshasa. It measures two million and three hundred and forty-five thousand kilometers square. It’s located in the central region of Africa, my continent. I was born and have grown in the southern Kivu Province which capital city is Bukavu. I’m the eldest of a nine children big family which is made [up of] two women and seven men. I’m also married and mother of five children, two men and three women. I studied sewing techniques in secondary school. I had been even a teacher after my achievement for some years. I had to work for non governmental organization for development for about fifteen years where I have [trained] people in subsistence farming and economy. Women were able to be financially independent and to regain a smile. The successive wars in my country are the main reason of poverty. Other are even living like refugees in their own country. By a visa obtained, I traveled from my country to USA landing on Boston before I came to live in Portland, Maine. I was so astonish about how things are well done here, beautiful buildings, good airports in which big planes. I take this opportunity to say my gratitude to IHP organization which is helping us learning English despite many difficulties met. Thank you.
Sarah Esengo
Hello everyone!
My name is Sarah Esengo.
I was born in Kindu the city of Maniema DRC. I grew up in Bukavu. I remember during the Christmas and Happy New Year party at our house, our Mom prepared a lot of food and it smelled very good. I was heard Every morning the crowing of roosters and birds. I could see my parents happy to see me too.
I learned that I was coming to US by phone, I was in my country. When I was coming here, I had taken the Airplane. I had traveled alone but they had many passengers. I was tired, I had slept on the chair and I had missed my flight.
I was surprised to see a big airport and a lot of Planes. I was surprised to see many immigrants here. I was afraid to speak because I didn’t know English. I was happy, when I started going to school to learn English.
Seraphine Lesambo
Hello Teacher,
I present the story of my life.
I was born in the Congo RDC, in Lake Mai Ndombe in the territory of Mushie. I am the oldest of a family of 9 children. We had a 3 bedroom house, one for boys and one for girls, one for the parents. My Mother used to drive me to school every morning and afternoon Every Sunday in church.
I found out I was going to America at work on the phone. I arrived by Belgium the BostonWhat surprised me is the Aerport is so big and so much snow.
Arrived here I thought I was alone but I found friends and above all, In- her-Presence
Which helps to speak English
Thanks a lot
Beya Bantu
My story, My nam is Beya.
I was born in the Congo RDC. I grow up in the Kinshasa. I remember everyday my family I finished school, I work many years, I found out I was going to America by phone. I get here by airplane, I arrived in the New York. I was surprised the big airport and seeing so many airplanes, here it was so cold, I am most proud of the security of where I live. Portland is a pretty city for me, I meeting so many Congolese sisters and brothers. I see here big women and men. America is not [like] I think [when] I was in the Congo. America is nice country. I learn free English, My dear teacher is Linda.
Melanie Atia
My name is Melanie Atia. I was born in Lusangi, my native village, in the Province of Maniema, Democratic Republic of Congo. I am the last born of six, 3 girls and 3 boys. During our time, wives were giving birth at home or outside in a place prepared for that. There were no hospitals or maternity places to give birth. I was married in Kinshasa.
I am a widow, mother of 5 girls and 15 grandchildren. I was in Kinshasa, in my kitchen cooking dinner when I heard I was coming to America. From Kinshasa, I flew to Brussels (Belgium) and from Brussels, I came to Washington, D.C.
I came by myself. Everything was fine or normal. It was cold, windy and roads were very large. Yet, it [was] different [than I imagined]. I could not imagine that in America you have beggars, homeless people sleeping in the streets.
I am proud to have discovered a new world and to learn English, and to be cared for by the American government for my medical needs and also for the free primary and secondary schools. May God bless America.
