Navigating the freedoms and challenges of adulthood crosses cultural boundaries, as twenty-somethings Amy and Klohbaw are learning.
Amy from Minnesota and Klohbaw, who is a Karen refugee, met through Arrive Ministries’ Good Neighbor program, and quickly bonded over their shared stage of life.
We are sharing this experience of figuring out how to be adults.
“We are sharing this experience of figuring out how to be adults. There are some similarities and differences, but I think it’s cool how we are both learning so many things in this new stage of life,” said Amy.
Klohbaw is in her mid-twenties and is currently taking ESL classes and studying for her GED with hopes to become a nurse someday.
“I love getting to interact with people and it just seems like a good job for me,” said Klohbaw. “I am currently working as a PCA for my mother and did some nursing work in the refugee camp.”
While many of Klohbaw’s current goals are focused on education, Amy who is also in her mid-twenties is looking to expand some of her life skills, like cooking. Fortunately, Klohbaw loves to cook and taught Amy to make some Karen dishes that they shared together.
“I cook for my mom and myself every day. I especially love cooking Thai food and making different chilis, ” said Klohbaw.
The two friends enjoy going on walks together and visiting places like the zoo and apple orchard. Amy even took Klohbaw ice skating for the first time last winter. When Klohbaw’s dad passed away this past winter, Amy said it was an honor to come alongside her in her grief.
When we help each other it’s out of friendship because that’s what friends do.
“I am gaining an understanding of how to be a friend as she grieves for her dad,” said Amy.
These driven, kind-hearted young women love getting to cheer each other on as they work toward their goals.
“I don’t feel like a mentor to her. We are both friends who help each other and it feels equal in the ways we reach out, connect, and have fun. When we help each other it’s out of friendship because that’s what friends do,” said Amy.
