December 30, 2003
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December 27, 2003
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December 24, 2003
December 19-22, 2003
December 17-18, 2003
December 11-16, 2003
December 10, 2003
December 9, 2003
December 8, 2003
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December 5, 2003
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December 3, 2003
December 2, 2003
December 1, 2003
November 30, 2003
November 29, 2003
November 28, 2003
November 26-27, 2003
November 25, 2003
November 24, 2003
From Laurie Gilbert: A recap of yesterday, 5 of us
went to the apartment for the new family to get it set up, or started anyway.
It's in the Old Stapleton area. The whole building is in the renovating
process, so the halls are all torn up. The apartment is pretty nice, but
it will be tight for 5 people. We have most of what they will need to get
started. Betsy is doing some more shopping this morning to finish up with
some small items. Jan is going to the Ecumenical Refugee Warehouse to pick
up a couple of donated furniture items this morning. We met their case
worker, his name is Mohammad Ali, he is a refugee himself, from
From Laurie Gilbert: Good morning Everyone!
Last night the Jargba's arrived safely! They missed
their connecting flight in
Everyone looked happy and a little scared at the same time, also,
totally exhausted. The Mother, Sharon, spoke to us quietly in broken
English, but appeared very relieved to see our little group and glad to hand
over the baby, Grace, to one of the caseworkers from the Ecumenical Refugee
Services. The children were all "wide eyed" and sooooo quiet.
But, little
They brought all their possessions in one small backpack.
It took us a while to get in to the building of their new home, the key didn't work on the outside door, we bundled them up with all the coats we brought along.
Once we got into the apartment they all went to the couches and sat down. It took a few minutes for them to take off their coats and start looking around. They all ate chicken soup, bananas, French bread and milk. The children do have distended tummy's, probably from malnutrition, Keytondi(spelling?) told us it will take several weeks of eating properly to reverse this condition. They will all have medical checkup soon.
Then it was time to share how everything worked. The stove, the faucets, the bathroom, the intercom, the TV, you name it. They all seemed amazed at everything!
The children loved the little cars, stuffed animals, dolls, balls and books, they started to warm up to us and became much more animated, it was so cute to hear them discussing everything in their native language.
Betsy will be going over today at 11. She'll be taking them to Social Services and will meet with their case worker, Mohammad Ali.
Someone will be going to visit them each day for a while. Betsy will email those who have signed up with a schedule, if you'd like to help out please contact Betsy so she can make the arrangements.
Blessings, Laurie
From Betsy Keyack: Hi All,
Laurie, thanks for the report on the arrival of our refugee family.
Thank you so much for all you have done so far to help our refugee family:
Laurie, Bryan Thomas, Jan & Charlie Rufien, Debbie, Ken Decker for all the loading, unloading and setting up of the apartment on Monday and Tuesday.
Pam Rowley and Linda Streaty for going grocery shopping and preparing a wonderful chicken soup in the crock pot.
Laurie, Marie (Thomas) for coming to the airport and seeing the Jargba family safely to their apartment.
Mary Anne Eagleston for spending time with the family today (Thanksgiving).
Wednesday I picked up the family to take them to Human Services to get their Food Stamp Card and Medicaid Arrangements. Our caseworker, Mohamed Ali, met us there.
If the family needs to go to the doctor, there is a sheet of paper that authorizes Medicaid to pay the expenses, until she gets her Medicaid card.
Mohammed said we greatly need a Liberian interpreter. He
will look into it. I will also ask Connie Shoemaker and the people at St.
Andrews UMC, who have a family from
When we returned from the appointments, I helped serve the
children some of the soup in the crock pot. I put the remainder in the
refrigerator and showed
Mary Anne spent 3-1/2 hours with the family today
(Thanksgiving). She showed
Mary Anne also taught the children how to write their names and do their ABC's in capital letters. She gave each child a set of markers and a notebook. The kids really warmed up to her, especially Comfort, who had been very withdrawn since she arrived. Grace even let Mary Anne hold her!
Grace now has a runny nose. When she arrived she had a loose cough. Mary Anne said that she did not appear to have a fever. I will call Mohammed on Monday and ask how soon we can get into the doctor. In the meantime, we should keep an eye on her. Marie Fornof - any advice?
Tomorrow (Friday) I and maybe Maria will visit. Perhaps we can show her how to use the laundry room, make pasta with meat sauce, cheese sandwiches, and/or crockpot meatloaf. Mary Anne suggested I bring some coloring books and cans of soup.
These are some items that Mary Anne suggested:
A radio tuned to KLOVE 91.1
Check to make sure they have enough socks (Jan Rufien is getting some) and shoes that fit.
A Betty Crocker boys and girls cookbook for
We are still trying to determine clothing sizes.
Please volunteer to visit the family whenever you can. Fresh people who are not tired can really make a difference!
Friday, 11/28 - Betsy and maybe Maria
Saturday, 11/29 - Betsy
Sunday, 11/30 - Betsy and family
Monday, 12/1 - Laurie and Maria
Tuesday, 12/2, 12/9, 12/16 - Kathy Mossman
Wednesdays indefinitely - Jan Rufien
When you visit, please email us a report or call me and I will email an update to everyone.
THANKS! May God will with us as we act as His loving arms, heart, eyes and ears in reaching out to Sharon and her family.
From Betsy: Hi Everyone,
Marie Thomas and I had a wonderful visit with Sharon and family. They really acted like they had a good time with Mary Anne yesterday because they greeted us with enthusiasm and smiles. Highlights are:
- Since we haven't been to the doctor's yet, we advised
-
- Baby Grace still has a cough and runny nose. Mary Anne Eagleston brought over some Triaminic this evening and the pharmacist said the dosage is 1/4 teaspoon. She did not give Grace any of the Triaminic yet because her nose was not running this evening. However, she said Comfort appears to have a fever. The Triaminic is in the cabinet above the kitchen sink.
- We made meatloaf in the crockpot.
- We did laundry with
- We showed
- The children colored. We worked on their ABC's, taught
them some words and worked with numbers. Roland is very bright.
- We called back to the
- We took a digital picture to show the church.
- Tomorrow (Saturday), Jan Rufien is visiting and taking
underwear and socks for the family. She will also make sure that
- Sunday, our family is visiting the family.
- Monday, Marie Thomas (with Laurie) plans to take the
family grocery shopping. They will try out the new Food Stamps card, along with
the King Soopers card. Marie Thomas said she would talk to Laurie
about coming up with a menu plan of SIMPLE meals. We need to teach
Thanks for all your involvement.
From Jan Rufien: Saturday, Nov.30th.
Hi to everyone,
A friend and I (Jan Rufien) went and spent the
morning with
All got baths!
I bought underwear and socks for all of the family. Showed them to wear the underwear under their pants. I also went to a children's consignment shop and bought clothes for Baby Grace. There wasn't much at the apt. for her. Following are sizes and needs: (Note from Betsy: Updates are in [ ] ).
Comfort: sz 10 [size 8 could also fit] pants 10-12 tops. She has some jeans and a few turtlenecks. I bought her a sweater and 2 new tops. She could use a few more.
Roland sz 8 jeans (does not need any at this time) long sleeve shirts and a sweater or 2. He has quite a lot. Size 10-12 tops.
Grace : sz. 12-18 mo. She could use warm playclothes and 2 more blanket sleepers. [Her feet are size 24 months].
All of the children could use belts. [Since taken care of]
They all have wonderful coats, hats and mittens. They also have snow pants.
Gave the kids a lesson on how to use markers ON PAPER.
Send this on to everyone.
From Betsy: Hi
Everyone,
Ken, Kara and I, along with Peter Reif, visited Sharon and family today.
Everyone was in good health. Grace looked very good, although her nose ran
just a little. The girls' hair looked really nice.
in a skirt and top.
I reviewed with
She wants to talk with her sister (also at the camp) but we could not reach
her.
Peter showed
The kids loved it! (Way to go, Pete!)
I also showed
like them. I peeled a carrot and gave some pieces to the children, but they
were not excited about the raw carrots. I told them the carrots were good
for their eyes!
The crockpot meatloaf made on Friday looked and smelled great and they had
eaten most of it. We told
since it was still sitting in the crockpot and not refrigerated.
Roland and Comfort know their body parts in English well. They learned the
written words for the different parts and "Head and Shoulders, Knees and
Toes."
Ken worked with the VCR and TV to make them work together correctly. It will
take a while for
must have the VCR off. To watch the VCR, you must turn its power on and put
the TV on channel 03 (using the remote). There are some children's video
tapes on top of the TV.
Peter went out to get some crackers. The Saltines were all gone already.
Plans going forward are:
I will call Mohammed Ali, our caseworker, about setting up the doctor's
appointment for the entire family.
Monday - Laurie and Marie Thomas will take the family grocery shopping with
the Food Stamps "credit card" at King Soopers.
Tuesday - Kathy Mossman has the flu! We wish you a speedy recovery! If
anyone can visit Sharon and family on Tuesday, please let me know.
Every Wednesday - Jan Rufien and friend. Jan will work on English lessons.
Thursday - Jennifer Jensen - will bring a rice cooker and show
she can use it.
Friday - Betsy and my friend, Deniz.
Saturday - Carolyn McIntosh. Carolyn will bring some girls clothing and some
religious Christmas things.
Please let me know if and when you can visit!
The children's choir will be adopting the family for Christmas. I will be
sending them a list of needed items. If you think of any items that they
need, let me or Cindy Raap know.
Thank you everyone!!!!
From Laurie and Marie (Thomas): Here's yesterday's recap to
pass on. Also, Linda Backus has clothes for
Marie Thomas and I went over to the Jargba's after shopping at Wal-Mart for an hour, we had fun picking up odds and ends.
We bought her a small microwave, some Tupperware and containers, pj's for Comfort, an ABC game for the children, plastic sippy cups and bowls and plates,some large spoons, and a few other things.
The family seemed very
happy to see us, lot's of hugs and smiles.
We took the family
shopping at the King Soopers on
We made macaroni and
cheese with hotdogs for lunch, they gobbled it down. Marie made a lentil
soup for them for dinner. We tried to explain to
The kids really need
belts! We used a shoestring for
Blessings, Laurie and Marie
From Andrea Mezger: Debbie Lawrence and I visited
with carrots and some water and seasonings. Neither one of us are great
cooks especially without a cookbook, but it will probably taste ok.
I went to the store with Roland.
I brought
I will visit with Jennifer on Thursday if she wants me to tag along.
Note:
not know how to read. She told Debbie she worked in farming before the war and
the kids just stayed with her while she worked.
From Betsy: Hi Everyone,
Today, Jan Rufien and I went with Sharon and family to a 3-1/2 hour
orientation at Ecumenical Refugee Services. The children were very patient
and baby Grace slept in "Grandma Jan's" lap the whole time.
The highlights of the day were:
*Mohammed, our case worker, got us a translator. Her name is Oretha, she is
a recently-arrived single mother refugee with a 4-year-old child, and she
lives a block from
from the same village as
a single mother of a 1-year old child.
*After the orientation, the kids enjoyed riding up and down the big glass
elevator with Jan.
*We all went to Burger King afterwards. The kids loved everything,
especially the french fries.
*Later, we walked over to Oretha and Angeline's apartment. We talked and the
kids played. Angelina gave me some African food - spicy chicken and rice.
She likes to cook with spicy peppers. I saw she was also using plantains,
cabbage, tomato sauce and yams.
Key points from the orientation meeting:
*
form of Liberian. She lived in Puto all her life. She did not go to school,
so she does not know how to read and write. She made a living farming rice
and vegetables. She kept some and sold some. Her children did not go to
school.
*When the rebels came to the village in 2003, Sharon and others fled to the
refugee camp, known as the Peace Camp. She stayed there for 3 months before
coming to the
camp.
*When Sharon and the children fled, she lost track of her husband. While in
the refugee camp, she found out he was alive in
be difficult to get her husband (the father of all 4 children) to the
because they were not officially married. (This is also the case of Oletha
and Angeline).
*A next step for
the
Finding affordable child care for baby Grace will be a problem.
county does not provide child care assistance. Jan will work with Sasha
Verbillis at ERS to investigate child care - Head Start;
Curtis Park. Maybe someone can come to
*The ultimate goal is for
refugees are supported by ERS through the government for 4 months ($725 a
month). (In addition to Food Stamps and Medicaid).
check today. This period can be extended to up to 8 months. In
case, even longer than 8 months may be needed. At that point, other
government assistance would be sought, such as TANF.
*
childcare. ERS assured
job, we would all be there to help her and that eventually everything would
be worked out. Sasha (ERS Employment Coordinator) said we may need to find
some mental health assistance for
*The $725 a month is for
trustee.
*Mohammed will set up the medical appointments for the family. (This is
after Betsy faxes him the I-94 forms). We will take them to the medical
appointments. It may take 2-3 weeks to get in.
Medicaid for 8 months. The children are eligible until age 18. ERS will help
her employer provides health insurance.
*After the medical appointments are completed, then the 3 older children can
be enrolled in school. Whiteman is the nearest school and it has a good ESL
program. Jan will take care of the school registration process.
*Friday, Betsy will take
card. It could take 2 weeks to 3 months to get a card. After that, we will
get an ID card (similar to Driver's License).
*Bus pass - wait until
free one.
*
government - $2551. We won't worry about this until she is working.
Circumstances are taken into account.
*
cards for long distance. (Food Stamps does not pay for phone cards).
*
Department, for the first 5 years of being in the
*Oretha will explain the apartment lease and have
*Oretha recommended going to an African grocery store to get some items.
get around and operate in
Let us all keep Sharon and her children in our prayers. Dear God, thank you
for the Jargba family in our lives and the chance to give and share life
with them. Please help her not to feel so overwhelmed and to build a happy
life here. We deeply trust in your guidance as we strive to help them.
Thanks, everyone, for all your continuing involvement and support!
From Betsy: Jennifer Jensen had a nice visit with
cooker and showed her how it works. Everyone seemed fine.
about how much they like Grandma Jan.
Thanks, Jennifer!
From Betsy: Hi Everyone,
We had a very busy day today.
When I arrived at
We came back to
I went to King Soopers to get some Tylenol for baby Grace, who had had a
fever the night before. She seemed OK today, except she is cutting a lot of
teeth. I also got bread and milk.
Then we went to the Social Security Office in
Christmas songs on the radio the whole way. Once we got there, it was a
piece of cake - hardly any line, only a one-page form, and
database! So she should get her card in 2 weeks. I need to tell the Post
Office this will be her first mail.
Afterwards, we went to the Makota African Market. It is only about a mile
from
Montview, left on
fish, cans of fish, pork, fufu (cassava flour), cassava leaves, palm oil,
palm fruit, crushed dried hot peppers, jasimine rice, plantains and other
stuff I can't identify. We also got an African phone card for $10.
hugs and smiles.
Tomorrow (Saturday) Carolyn McIntosh and Jimetta Pyles are going to visit.
I think the biggest needs now for help are transportation to shopping and
appointments, instruction in English and safety and cleaning tips. Jan is
looking into child care for baby Grace so
if there are any ideas out there for child care we really need them!!!
That's the report for now!
From Carolyn McIntosh: Jimetta and I just got back from
visiting
Sharon and the kids. We had a great time... not too sure
how much we communicated back and forth!
I told
Jimetta a big hug and thank you, which was nice, I thought. The kids
loved the paint sets and did a beautiful job with their paintings. I
wish we had thought to bring some fridge magnets to display them, but
we ended up standing them on the window sill. Jimetta helped them put
the big Scooby Doo floor puzzle together while I cooked lunch (lentils
and rice). They tore it apart and started doing it again before we
left so think it was a hit, too. We both thought it would be good if
the kids could get outside to play and on the drive home noticed a
school playground at 11th and
possibility? I brought them each a couple of articles of clothing.
so. They all have belts now!
I took a stool plunger for them to keep, as we had two here at our
house. She says the toilet was working and used it while we were
there. They are painting the hallways and with the construction and
all it's a mess to get in and out!
disposal so we tried to explain to her that only soft things could go
in a disposal. Her main concern that she expressed to me is that she
wants to find someone to watch the kids so she can go somewhere to
learn English and also to get out and visit a friend or just have some
time to herself. Would the
only for homeless women? I think socialization is a big issue for her
right now. She says in
time and the kids take care of each other but here in
don't do that!
The kids are so well-behaved and
care of Grace. Rowland and Comfort do a lot of playing together. I
hope that the childcare issue can be worked out soon.
I stopped in to see Sharon and family on Sunday. Everyone was fine.
to have both of them take turns working and caring for the children. We
called Kidani and he told us what the process is. It would be a difficult
one especially because they were not officially married (this is very common
in
Refugee Services on Monday.
It was delicious! Everyone enjoyed the homemade hats given by the
crochet circle.
Since it was a nice day, we went for a walk. Grace loved the stroller and
the others enjoyed pushing it.
I told them that snow is coming!
From Betsy: Today when I arrived
will be able to manage by herself with the children. So far, the lawyer in
officially married in
here.
responsibilities for child care and earning a living. In
family and friends helped each other.
I told
her. However, I think she does not want to be financially dependent on us or
the government indefinitely. As a result of
were not their usual happy selves. I think they all had some cabin fever
today and
to learn some English today but I did not have enough time to do a good
English lesson. It is very hard to try to understand someone's pain and not
be able to make it go away, isn't it?
I emailed Genevieve Cruz and Mohamed from ERS about today's visit and
Genevieve would like me to call her.
Bill Selby called me today "out of the blue" and told me about the
Liberian
family that
name is Josephine. The family is a father, mother, a 6 month old baby, a boy
in gradeschool and possibly some other extended family. They live at 8000 E.
12th (12th and Uinta), #18-32. The phone number is 303-377-2704. I hope we
will be able to get
and she said to come over.
I did go to the Post Office today and let them know that
address. I tried to get a key to the mailbox from the manager but she said
they are on order. So
it. The manager is after me to get the paperwork done with
lease) but I asked if I could have a reprieve until next week.
In the meantime, Jan Rufien (Grandma Jan to the children!) is doing a lot of
good work in the background. Here is her report from today:
I feel we are doing everything we can for
take time. I spoke with Sasha [from ERS] on Friday, and we discussed
spend some time with
I made calls to 5 groups that have provided free child care in the past.
They all had the same story--The state and federal gov't. have cut off all
funding to poor working mothers needing child care in order to get off
welfare. They couldn't give us much hope! What a shame.
Sasha and I agreed that
before we start her in school. What do you think? [yes]
I have made arrangements to take the older children (and Sharon) to school
on Jan. 5th. to meet their teachers and look around the school The staff
at
Whiteman will be there, but no students. They can begin in the classrooms on
Tuesday the 6th. The principal, Dr. Oaks, was very positive about having the
children in his school. They have approximately 20 other children from
children in school, and may be a way for
When Betty and I go on Wednesdays, we will work with
writing some basic things she should know ie: writing her name and the names
of the children, address, dates of birth etc. Sasha will try and get a tutor
to go to
visit-BUT it is a start.
Betsy, let me know if you are still planning on taking the family to church
on the 21st. If so, I would like to be involved, and sit with the children
since they are comfortable with their new grandma!!! Hang in there and don't
get discouraged--this is a long term project.
Jan
Visitors for this week:
Tuesday: Debbie L. and Andrea M.
Wednesday - Jan and Betty
Thursday - Caroline Merchant
Friday - Diane Tolleson; maybe Laurie and Kris
Weekend - looking for volunteers!
Anything you can do to lift their spirits and/or give
be wonderful! There is a Dairy Queen on Colfax 5-10 minutes east of
Yosemite. There is a park with playground equipment at 12th and Verbena
(about 6 blocks away to the west). Sharon is very eager to learn English.
Maybe Josephine will turn out to be a good friend, too.
Thanks, everyone. That's all for now!
From Betsy: It was a wonderful day! Debbie and Andrea went
up and played in
the snow with Sharon and the children. They had snowball fights and made
snow angels. Sharon was laughing! Thanks, Debbie and Andrea, for the gift of
fun and laughter!
In the evening, Sharon and the children came to St. Luke's for the annual
UMW Christmas Candlelight Dinner. I had the honor of introducing them to the
UMW group. Sharon received a very warm welcome. Amy Holton said she wants to
connect with me in January so that the UMW as a group could do whatever they
can to help Sharon get settled. I am so appreciative of the support of the
UMW!
Grandma Jan took care of the children during the dinner so Sharon could
enjoy some free time. Thanks, Jan! For the children's dinner, Jan gave them
Chick-Filet nuggets and fries we had picked up on the way as well as treats
she brought from home. The children had a good time and the whole family has
much affection for Jan. Darlington said he had made a new friend, too!
I had a refreshing conversation with Genevieve Cruz, Director of Sponsorship
and Development at Ecumenical Refugee Services. She said St. Luke's is the
best church she has dealt with in years.
She said that depression is common for refugees who come to the US. In the
refugee camps, people still fear for their lives. They put up an emotional
"defense shield." When they come to the US and are safe, they
let the
shield down. Depression occurs.
Genevieve said she would have Mohamed and Kidane talk with Sharon. [Sharon
said Kidane came to see her already. She wanted to make sure I knew that she
does not want to go back to Africa, she is glad to be in the US and wants to
make it work here. She is still wishing her husband could come, though.]
Genevieve also said ERS would start an application process for low income
housing in Arapahoe or Adams county. In this scenario, Sharon and family
would live with other people from Liberia in the same house and share the
child care and work responsibilities. With low income housing, the renters
pay 1/3 of their income as rent. The government pays the rest, so the
landlord gets the full amount. A big factor is that Arapahoe and Adams
county do have money for child care assistance.
The process to get low income housing takes about 6 months. Genevieve asked
that I make sure the apartment lease is for 6 months only. This housing
scenario sounds really good to me. Within the limits of the language
barrier, I believe Sharon is receptive to living with other people and
sharing the responsibilities.
There is a new refugee family (single mother) from Liberia who are in the
same apartments as Oretha and Angeline. They are sponsored by Hope UMC.
Wednesday, Jan and her friend Betty will visit and do English lessons.
Thursday, I am going up because Caroline Merchant has the flu going around
in her family. I can take care of the lease then and get settled with the
apartment manager. Friday, Diane Tolleson, Laurie and her friend Kris are
visiting. Monday Marie Thomas will visit.
If anyone would like to visit Sharon on Saturday or Sunday, it would be
great. I will be hosting the pastor from Poland at my house all weekend.
Thanks, again, everyone for your continuing love to Sharon and her children.
From Jan: Betty and I visited Sharon and the children
today. It was a very different
day. We were greeted with hugs, smiles and even some kisses. Baby Grace
loves her Grammy Jan. I played a game with the children while Betty helped
Sharon write her name in manuscript as well as cursive. She was very eager
to learn how to sign her name and write the names of the children. The kids
were really "squirrelly" They wouldn't play the game etc. so I took
them for
a LONG walk. Went by their school. Roland and Comfort seem excited to go to
school. I told them that there were other children from Africa and they
would make friends.
On my second visit, I knew that Darlington would be a more difficult child.
He will have a much harder time adjusting to school than the other two. As a
kindergarten teacher for 25 years, I know that he will need more time to
learn how to behave in school. I hope he has a loving, BUT FIRM
teacher.
Today, he had many "meltdowns" over everything from the hat
Roland wore to
where he would sit for a snack. He cried, kicked and flopped in the floor!
Sharon was very positive at the beginning, but when I left with the
children, she had many concerns and questions about the future. She asked
Betty "Why are these people doing so much for me? When they quit, how
will
have any money? She also seemed confused that she would be here for a
year???? Betty couldn't understand her concern over this. She said " My
children follow me" Don't know what she was saying. When I returned, she
was
very down.
I will be in contact with the school tomorrow and apply for free lunches,
and check school hours. I will also check the bus stop for the older
children.
We need to continue to be positive, but also answer Sharon's concerns.
*As of this Friday by 5:00 pm, Sharon will have a phone
number. It is
303-320-1588. (Genevieve - we had to go with Quest because Comcast does not
have service in their area). Sharon will have basic phone service with no
long distance. She can use phone cards for long distance. The phone will be
a great relief for everyone.
*Today Jan went over to visit Sharon and family. They were so happy to see
her! Sharon was across the street visiting Angeline (Oretha's roommate) when
Jan came. Sharon has also met another Liberian family nearby - a single
mother with a teenage son and one or two other children.
***Volunteers are needed*** Jan will be registering the children for school
so they can start on January 5. They will be taking the bus. Volunteers are
needed for the first week to make sure the children get to the bus stop in
the morning and get home from the bus stop in the afternoon. If you are
interested, please meet with Jan and me this Sunday at church from 10:30 to
11:00 or call me.
*Additional report from Jan today: Well, we have talked
several times today, but I keep thinking of things to tell you. Here are some
updates.
- I bought Sharon a new (used) vacuum today
- I will call the WICKS program tomorrow and see if Sharon qualifies. It
provides government surpluses ie: milk, cheese etc.
- I will talk to Una tomorrow and get appointments scheduled. We need to ask
for flu shots for all--if not all, baby Grace needs one.
- I have a VERY GOOD second car seat for Grace. I bought the 2 missing parts
today so it will be available for others who will be driving. It should be
left in the apt. when not in use.
- Tomorrow, Charlie and I will go over around 10:00. We
will fix the mirrors,
hang the picture in the bathroom, show Sharon how to vacuum and then go
register the children at Whiteman. I will get all the info for our meeting
on Sunday.
- I'm sure I will think of other things, but this is all for today!!!
*Monday's (12/15) visit was cancelled due to the bad roads. Kidane visited
Sharon over the past weekend and reported to me that everything was fine.
Last Friday, Sharon was visited by Laurie et.al.
*Last Thursday (12/11) I visited Sharon. First I wanted to have a chat with
her. I phoned Josephine Krangar, the mother in the Liberian family sponsored
by Bill Selby's church, St. Paul's. I was very pleased to learn that
Josephine and Sharon could communicate well using the "Liberian
English"
language! Josephine lives at 8000 E. 12th #18-32. Her phone # is
303-377-2704.
*Through Josephine, I told Sharon:
- We understand that you are worried about the future and how you will
support yourself and your children. We understand that you have difficulty
sleeping at night.
- Together we will work on a plan for your life. This will take time. We are
doing our best for you.
- First, you need to learn to read and write English at home.
- The children will go to school during the day starting in January. Jan
will find out how the children can get to school and get home.
- Mohamed and Kidane's people will figure out how you can get money until
you can support yourself.
- One possibility - MAYBE - is that after 6 months you and the children can
move into a house with other people from Liberia and get help with child
care while you work.
*Sharon said she really appreciates what everyone is doing for her. She
still wants her husband to come and now says they WERE traditionally
married. She said since she does not know English well, the people
interviewing her in the refugee camp did not understand her and vice versa.
Her husband's name is, phonetically, "Galo Pine." (Oretha thinks
it is
spelled "Graleo Pe.") I will follow up again with Gordana at
Ecumenical Refugee Services. However, I told Sharon that our government is
saying he can't come over.
*On Thursday, we also went to King Soopers. Sharon was out of a lot of basic
things. We bought a few American treats such as frozen yogurt and goldfish.
*Until I can get Sharon to the bank to cash her check, we could use
donations of grocery certificates for the items that Food Stamps does not
cover, such as diapers, paper goods and toiletries. Also, for now it would
be nice to have a regular King Soopers day with either a volunteer to take
the family or a two-person team to take Sharon and babysit. Would anyone
like to do this? (except Wednesday, when Jan does English lessons).
*The Children's Choir went shopping for Christmas gifts for the Jargba's. I
will bring the family to church on Sunday for the 9:30 service and the choir
will present the gifts some time that morning.
*Jan is visiting tomorrow (Wednesday). I am stopping by Thursday to take
care of the lease, which I took home to read.
That's the report for now. Thanks again to everyone for your prayers, time and
gifts!
From Betsy: Sharon and family are doing fine. Jan visited
on Wednesday and has been
doing a lot of preliminary work with the children's school. Remember that
Jan has now left a car seat at the apartment for anyone's use.
I also went over Wednesday in the afternoon because they would not let me go
another day without having
can sign her name now. Oretha and Mohamed were there, too, doing paperwork
with an organization called Mercy Housing, which is involved somehow.
Today, Caroline Merchant visited. Caroline did math with
value, coins, and addition and subtraction with carrying and borrowing. She
left a page of math problems for
various denominations so
much, Caroline!!
Friday, Jan and some of her family are visiting, bringing over some
Christmas gifts and going to lunch. Sunday, I am bringing Sharon and Co. to
church for the
help with the children's first week of school (getting to and from the bus
stop), January 5 - 9, please meet with me and Jan on Sunday at
On Saturday, feel free to try out
We are still waiting for medical appointments to be scheduled and working on
getting a key for
is sitting. These are needed for school registration.
That's the report for now!
From Betsy: On Friday, the 19th, (Grandma) Jan, husband
Charlie, daughter and
grandchildren had a Christmas party with Sharon and family. The wonderful
generosity of Jan's daughter toward the Jargba's is very much appreciated!
There were many gifts of clothing and toys. Afterward, everyone went out to
lunch. The children had a great time playing with each other. Thank you, Jan
and family!!
On Sunday, the 21st,
service. Many people offered them a warm welcome. Fred Venable gave them a
wonderful introduction and thanked the people of St. Luke's for the
tremendous outpouring of generosity, welcome and caring toward the Jargbas.
After the service, they met with the Children's Choir who presented them
with Christmas gifts, which they opened with the help of the choir members.
Thank you Kay Coryell, Cindy Raap, the Children's Choir and their parents!!
Afterwards we went to McDonalds for lunch and play time.
During all the Sunday activities,
somewhat sad. However, the children had a great time. They seem to thrive on
excitement, activity and attention.
Also on Sunday, Jan had a meeting with people interested in helping
the first week of school for the children, January 5-9. We need volunteers
to take the children to the bus stop in the morning and meet them at the bus
stop in the afternoon. Currently we are covered except for Friday, the 9th
and the afternoon of the 6th(?).
Jan Rufien is covering the 5th and 6th. Jan Stull will help on the mornings
of the 6th and 7th. In the afternoon of the 7th, we will be picking up the
children to go to the doctor's. Judy and Bill Dearasaugh will take them to
and from the bus stop on Thursday, the 8th. Thank you Jan, Jan, Judy and
Bill!
On Monday, the 22nd, Diane Tolleson, with children Paige, Meredith and
Spencer; and Marie Thomas, along with children Katie and Monica had a
WONDERFUL visit to the Jargbas. They were greeted with lots of hugs. I am
happy to hear that
so much out of it - Spencer asked "Mom, when can we come back again?"
THANK
YOU, Diane and Marie!
Here are some highlights of their visit:
*Roland and Spencer really like each other. They were really communicating
even if they didn't speak the same language.
*Everyone was very eager to learn math and English.
*Roland and Comfort did math, ABC's, their names and numbers.
*Marie helped
remembered what Caroline Merchant had showed her last week about money.
*
all his letters. He focused on his work for about 20 minutes! He was so
proud!
*There is a white board with dry erase markers to use for teaching -ask
Roland. He stores the markers in the drawers the Children's choir gave them.
*Diane and Marie brought a set of Duplo legos. Roland and Spencer had fun
building things with them and they used the square Duplos for teaching math.
*Marie brought cookies for the children to decorate. It was interesting that
the Jargba children wanted to finish working on their studies before getting
into the cookies!
*The children had fun playing with a toy shopping cart.
*Paige brought play-dough, which they had fun with.
*In
a lot of songs.
*Marie and Diane organized the puzzles and books. All the books are in the
bottom of the cabinet.
*Diane and Marie also brought donations from the Missions closet and some
other clothing.
*
bread.
On Tuesday, the 23rd, Jan will be delivering paperwork for the children's
school registration. There are so many papers! We are still trying to get a
key
On Tuesday, the 30th, Jan and I are holding a meeting from
the church Fellowship Hall. We want to put some more planning and structure
around the English lessons for
food stamps, and other logistics. Please come to the meeting if you are
interested in helping. If you cannot come, but are interested, please let me
know.
Jan has scheduled doctor's appointments for the family for the afternoons of
Jan. 5 and Jan. 7. Jan and I will go. The family will get exams and flu
shots.
Yesterday (the 23rd) Jan and her daughter went to visit
Sharon and family. Jan helped
Jan reported that we need a vacuum cleaner ASAP. We have had problems our two
donated ones.
Jan's granddaughter was also there and took the role of teacher. She had Comfort
and
Today (the 24th)
go to Christmas services at St. Luke's. So we all went to the
After the Christmas service, we took some pictures in front of the St. Luke's
Christmas tree and then went with my daughters and my brother Mike to Village
Inn. The kids ordered a variety of items off the children's menu - there was a
lot of sharing and enjoyment. We were amazed that baby Grace was sipping orange
juice through a straw. For dessert the kids had vanilla ice cream, which they
ate all up. During dinner, Comfort, Roland and
On the way home, we drove to a cul-de-sac in Highlands Ranch with amazing
displays of lights and decorations. The children enjoyed the singing snowman and
Santa Claus. They knew who Jesus was, when we passed the Nativity Scene.
It was a wonderful, festive evening.
At the end of the evening we wished each other Merry Christmas with high-fives
and hugs (depending on whether you were a boy or a girl). This was really a very
special Christmas eve - what a gift the Jargba's have given me tonight!
On the business side of things...still no word on a key to
In the meantime......
To All of You - A Merry Christmas filled with the Peace of
Christ and to All a Good Night!
From Betsy: The
Social Security Office was closed today. The Post Office said they do not have
Today Sharon and
family and I went to FirstBank to set up a checking account. I wanted to set up
a checking account with both
So I set up an
account with just my name on it - we can add
We got some
bananas and bread at King Soopers. I put some whole wheat bread in the basket,
like I did last time, but
When we returned,
I showed them how to use the Leap Pad that Risa and Greg Smith had bought. They
all really liked it, especially little
Someone (I don't
know who) had also donated a bag of neat English language teaching resources.
Today, we did the box of 96 flashcards -
Everyone was in a
good mood when I left.
That's all for
now! I'm going to the mountains on Sunday and Monday. Feel free to give
From Jan: I have just returned from spending the morning
with the Jargbas. I took 2 of my grandkids, ages 10 and 11. They had a blast
with the kids. Justin played soccer with the boys,
I took a port -a -crib for Grace to sleep in--The playpen
with the sides down was not safe. This should be better for her.
We introduced them to Pizza. They seemed
to like it.
Sharon and the kids were really happy today --all smiles
and laughter. A good visit.
More later. Jan Rufien
Today Marie (Thomas) visited Sharon and family and did some
English lessons.
Today, Jan, Marie and Betsy met to discuss plans for
teaching English to