Neighbors of MN
Boyenneh
Since I was born in Liberia, I had never seen snow before. One time my American friend, Rob told me that he was taking me and my sons sledding. I didn’t know what sledding was, but I said okay. So we got on these sleds, and right away I flew off of a jump and fell on my head. I told Rob “I am off. I will not try that again.” Rob was persistent about introducing me and my four boys to Minnesota sports, telling me, “It will not stop being cold here, so you have to get used to it.”
It will not stop being cold here, so you have to get used to it.
I have played many games with my American friends, like soccer, ping-pong, scrabble, and hockey. I do not play hockey well because I do not know how to stay on the shoes. When Rob took us to an ice rink, everyone had on hockey skates and I thought, “I can handle it.” But I tried them on and it was hard for me. When I move, I fall. So now I play boot hockey instead.
I learned how to ski behind a boat. Every summer Rob would take us to a lake. I would hold on to the rope behind a boat, wear these long, skinny shoes. From the boat Rob would yell “Just hold on. We will pull you up, but you have to be stiff.” I did it! I was skiing, I was so happy! I love waterskiing.
I would hold on to the rope behind a boat, wear these long, skinny shoes.
When you come into this country as a refugee, you need to have someone to help you. My American friends from Roseville Covenant Church met me at the airport when I arrived in the U.S., and it has been a tremendous blessing. I admire this team of church members so much. They have helped me in so many ways. One of them taught me to drive. Some of them took me shopping for winter clothes and food. One of them drove me to school every day until I got my nursing assistant certificate. They have invited my family to their homes for dinners. Rob was even in my wedding when I got married.
In the past I have asked Rob, “Who has helped me?” He will say “The church.” And I will say, “I know it’s the church, but who?” and Rob will just repeat “The church.”
I am so happy that the church helped me and my family so much.