Janet’s initial friendship with the Hassan family revolved around the car.
“Since there are 5 children in this family it often takes 2 cars to get them where they need to go. Carol and I offered to drive them around using our two cars,” said Janet.
The two Rochester women from Calvary Ev. Free Church drove members of this newly resettled Congolese refugee family to appointments, mom to her kids’ school conferences, the teen girls to church youth group, and even the youngest daughter to preschool until more bus drivers were hired.
In the car, seated side-by-side with these volunteers, 19-year-old Olga and her younger sisters developed a deep kinship with their new Minnesota friends.
“They are like family, I call them Grandma Janet and Grandma Connie. From the day we met, they never left us.
They are always here to help us, I have experienced more love through every single person in my life in Minnesota. There is love all around us,” said Olga.
“She is really brave about trying new things,” said Janet.
Olga’s gratitude and grit served her well in starting over as a Sophomore in high school; over the past few years, Olga joined the school’s track team, a morning Bible study, was awarded a paid internship at Mayo Clinic, and works an afterschool shift at Caribou Coffee.
Olga even attended her school Prom less than a year after arriving in Minnesota.
I was really scared, I had only seen it on TV and I didn’t have a dress. At the last minute, Kelly (a volunteer) gave me her beautiful bridesmaid’s dress to wear. It was the best experience, I didn’t know any of the songs, but I will always remember it,” said Olga.
Recently, Janet and Olga switched places in the car with Olga practicing driving in the driver’s seat, and Janet mentoring her from the passenger’s seat.
In the fall of 2024, Olga was able to save up enough money to buy a used car. Calvary Church assisted Olga in paying for a portion of the cost.
It feels amazing to own a car, it gives me a sense of responsibility. It’s the biggest decision I’ve made here,” said Olga.
Unlike most teenagers who view a new set of wheels as a ticket to ride, Olga understands her new role as a legal driver will be a huge asset to her family, especially to her mother who works full-time at Walmart. Olga hopes to set her family up well for the future.
“I would love for my family to own a home someday, and for me and my sisters to go to college. It was God’s grace that brought us here, I believe that God is capable when there doesn’t seem a way.”
