As you celebrate the Fourth of July, a day when we honor the founding of our country, a country where “huddled masses yearning to breathe free” from all over the world have been given the opportunity to build a better life, we share this heartwarming story of two women in our English program who were born on different continents. May it remind you of what our country is all about—e pluribus unum.
Hser Ku Moo, who is ethnically Karen, was born in Myanmar and came to the United States three years ago with her husband and 3 children. She knew some English, but she lacked confidence in her ability and often asked the teacher to let her go to a lower-level class. This began to change when the teacher noticed Hser Ku Moo developing a friendship with her classmate Celina.
Celina was born in Colombia. She came to America with her three sons and one daughter. Together, the women are dedicated students who work hard to improve their English. During breaks, they can often be seen chatting as they walk arm in arm or sit together discussing their daily lives. Since they don’t share a common native language, all their communication is in English. Recently, during a speaking exercise, when Hser Ku Moo was asked, “Who is your best friend?” she immediately replied, “Celina is my best friend!” It’s wonderful to witness their excitement when they see each other and to watch their friendship grow.
Recently, Hser Ku Moo has missed a lot of classes to take care of her chronically ill child. Celina understands what that is like. One of her own children is blind and she can empathize with what Hser Ku Moo is experiencing. The two friends continue their friendship beyond the classroom. Celina often visits Hser Ku Moo at home and they pray together for the well-being of Hser Ku Moo’s child.
Witnessing their friendship grow and strengthen is an opportunity to see B5’s mission in action. Staff and students get to see that when strangers become friends, we all thrive.
