When we care so deeply about our clients, it brings a sense of relief to know that newcomer families are being treated with dignity and warmth in the community.
I witnessed this at a doctor appointment that I attended with my Etritrean client (K) and her mother. It was an exciting day for this 21-year-old, as she was testing out a new wheelchair! K’s current wheelchair traveled with her from East Africa, and her mother explained that it was uncomfortable and had multiple tears and rips. There were four different medical professionals at this appointment, and they each treated K with so much dignity and love. K was given the opportunity to look through all of the color options and choose the perfect colors for her new wheelchair. She took about 5 minutes, and everyone was so patient while she made this important choice. Pink and purple were the winning colors!
When it was time for K to test out a power wheelchair in the hallway, I could tell everyone was holding their breath, wondering about her ability to drive the chair with the specialized lever. K has limited use of her hands due to her medical condition. However, K was determined, and as soon as the wheelchair started moving, K erupted in smiles and contagious laughter! Everyone in the room was struck by her joy. Many of us had tears in our eyes (my tears were running down my face).
K’s mother looked around at all of the adults in the room and said:
In Africa, I was her only mother. In America, she has a village of mothers.”
Danielle is our Intensive Case Manager at Arrive Ministries
