Day 37: for Sabine

One neat thing about college has been getting to know many international students and MKs.  I've loved hearing how life is back home for them and seeing the different ways they think and do things.  Last night, one girl from Kenya was even showing me Swahili Christian music videos.  I can't imagine how excited they must be to start something completely different.

But we know how eager Satan is to distort.  Sabine thought she was finally getting a new start, a clean slate in a country where she wouldn't have to be reminded of the abuse and the genocide.  Little did she know....

Sabine's story.

Sabine was the only member of her family to survive the genocide in Rwanda, so she agreed when a wealthy family offered her a chance to move to America with them. Shortly after arrival, however, she was imprisoned in their home; forced to work around the clock and made to sleep on the kitchen floor. Finally after six months of servitude, Sabine was allowed to go to church for an hour each Sunday. On one visit, she was approached by a kind Rwandan man who learned of her situation and helped her escape. He took Sabine to one of our partner agencies and who immediately referred her to Polaris Project.

Before participating in the Transitional Housing program, Sabine was afraid of everything. She did not want to leave the apartment after 4:00 p.m.--because it was too dark--and was afraid to walk to the Polaris Project office by herself. She had never been independent in the U.S., so even going to the grocery store or using a gift card terrified her. Her Polaris Project Case Manager not only accompanied her when shopping, but also conducted case management sessions in her transitional housing home, where she felt safe and secure. Because of her attentive Case Manager, after only three months, she was able to visit the office on her own. She also began shopping on her own and familiarizing herself with the neighborhood. When she came to Polaris Project she spoke no English, but after taking English lessons she is now conversational. She became the most enthusiastic and eager student in our Job Training program, and continued to visit the center to practice the computer skills.

3.2 miles for Sabine
221.87 miles to date.

Ruby
Sandra
Berchewkan
Mani
Sophea
Janna
Syowai
Ka
Stephanie
Alex
Mai
Khamta
Adaze
Jayati
Boloztuya
Prettygirl
Theresa
Esperanza
Xuan
Geeta
Debbie
G.Q., N.H., and S.O.
Anuradha
Veronica
Martina
Shauna
Rosa
Jaycee
Charlotte Awino
Kikka Cerpa
Jana
Lannie
Samira
Mari
Sarah
Mao Mao
Keisha
Brittany
Sabine

Because He first loved me,
Stephanie