The Best Gift Ever
April 7, 2008 | by brett | Permalink
Aline Sibomana, a senior at Gateway High School, shares her her story of how her family pursued a better life in America.
Let me tell you about my family; my mom’s name is Felisita Manilakiza and my dad’s name is Mathias Musengesenge. Our family came to the United States due to the genocide that was going on in Rwanda which spread to our native home of Burundi . Our family was deeply affected because my mom and dad come from the two tribes that were fighting, making us mixed kids. As such, it was very unsafe for my brothers and sisters and me. My parents have been blessed with nine lovely angels, our names: are Leonard, Oswald, Meresiana, Aline, Japhet, Terasi, Edisa, Eddie and, last but least, Jessica. As you can imagine, it hasn’t always been rainbows and butterflies for our family but God always made sure that everything was okay for us; he always sent angels to watch over us. When I was younger we lived in Burundi , in this beautiful home, until the war started. When the war started we had to move to a refugee camp in Tanzania where we stayed for about 5 years. My parents have always loved us and wanted the best for all of us and when my dad heard about an opportunity to give us a better future, there was no way that my dad was going to let that pass him. After a long process, we finally made it to the land of the free; the United State s was a new start for our family. When we first arrived, it was very difficult for my parents to adjust to all the changes in this new place. With us being new here, all we wanted to do was find a place to call home. We first lived in a two bedroom apartment. But, as you can imagine with eleven people in such a small place, it was very stressful for all of us. Please don’t get me wrong. I’m not saying that we weren’t happy to have a place to stay; we were, but we needed a home. After the apartment, we moved to a four bedroom HUD house. We were very comfortable, but this house was still not our own. Ever since we arrived in the United States, my parents have been looking for a place we can call our own. When Habitat for Humanity came to our house and told us that they could build us a home, my mom cried, not the usual tears of worries, this time they were tears of hope, happiness, and joy. We were all so happy and grateful. I started to thank God for sending more angels into our lives. So thank you very much for making our dreams come true and for helping all of us get a better future. There is no greater gift in the world that someone could have given to all of us. Thank you is not enough to express how we all appreciate the love and kindness that everyone has shown to our family. My family means the world to me and anyone who helps them will always be a part of my heart. West Valley Lutheran Thrift Store and Habitat for Humanity will always be in my heart. I love you all for your help and support and God knows we strongly appreciate the love you all have given us. Thank you.
Category tags: Gateway High School Submissions
State: Arizona | Trackback URL | Comments to this post
Technorati tags: Aline Sibomana | Gateway Early College High School | Rwanda genocide | West Valley Lutheran Thrift Store | Habitat for Humanity
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THERE ARE 2 RESPONSES TO THIS INTERVIEW
brett Says:
April 7th, 2008
This is quite a journey Aline. Thank you for sharing with our audience.
Steve Says:
April 8th, 2008
Wow. I am humbled to read your story. Keep sharing it. I don’t often think of America as being a sanctuary any longer. But your letter shows me wrong. We Americans think we have problems, how humbling to read of your journey. You are truly a unique person with a unique story. I encourage you to keep your voice and platform. There are many of us, me included, that need to be reminded of our vast wealth…and where true wealth comes from…family.
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