When recently donated dolls were delivered to three Congolese girls who arrived in Minnesota earlier this summer, laughter erupted when they saw the accessories that the dolls were wearing.
“The girls were delighted when they saw that the dolls were wearing neon pink and bright white sunglasses that perfectly matched the sunglasses they owned!” said Yvonne, Arrive Ministries’ Refugee Reception and Placement Coordinator, who witnessed the moment the young girls received their dolls.
The dolls were wearing colorful, patterned dresses that reflect the style of fashion in their homeland, the Democratic Republic of Congo.
When the kids receive them, they will feel comforted by their previous culture, they can adapt to their new home with something they love. Gail Harvey and her team of volunteers through the non-profit Don’t Cry… I’m Here sewed hand-crafted, culturally-appropriate outfits to accompany the donated dolls and bears.
“When the kids receive them, they will feel comforted by their previous culture, they can adapt to their new home with something they love,” said Gail.
…it was clear that God’s provision was being shown even in the details of this gift, down to the specific colors of the sunglasses. “It is clear that God’s provision was being shown even in the small details of this gift, down to the specific colors of the sunglasses,” said Rebekah, an Arrive Ministries RLM Church Team Coordinator, who received the donations from Gail.
“The kids have gone through equally as much trauma as their family members have gone through, so I do this to reach out to the kids, and offer a little comfort in a time that’s extremely difficult for them,” said Gail.
Don’t Cry… I’m Here donates dolls, with ethnically-appropriate doll clothing and accessories to new refugee girls and and teddy bears to new refugee boys between the ages of newborn and 11. They also provide gifts and books to newly arriving teenagers up to the age of 18. “Don’t Cry… I’m Here” focusing on the Minneapolis/St Paul area and the St. Cloud area.
