Joel

I left my home due to security situation in the country
after they breaked into our home and 
killed my dad along with my aunt at night.
As everyone one fled into his own direction,
I had no choice than to flee to Uganda by
walking at night, hiding by day.

​I arrived in Boise in September 1, 2016. The very first time I stepped on American soil in Houston where the plane dropped me, I was like "Oooh my God, am I the one or someone else"
​
I remembered how I escaped death and 10 years in the refugee camp.Then from the camp to America I was full of joy seeing how I no longer live in fear of being harmed.

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The only fear I  remained with and which is faraway beyond me
​is my wife that I left behind in camp where by she is suffering a lot with fear 
and attacks.
 
The funny memories which impressed me most 
was to see that there is no jobs for men and women 
All are the same regardless of gender.
I was touched also by the climate of Boise which 
is similar to where I was born.
Also to see how Boise has a love towards the refugees
which inspired me.

The Agency of New Americans helped me a lot 
that I can't tell, they facilitated me to be integrated 
in a the community, to find a job, enrolling in English 
classes.

My first job was working to family Franz Backary 
in Nampa. Where by I had the challenge of language barrier
because of the accent and most were Mexican people

The money I get helps me to pay the bills as you 
know that this is a country of bills 
I am proud to see that there there is peace, nothing 
is late, because I know that I am going to start my 
school next year, to improve my accent and finish my
studies.

For fun, I like football and singing 
 
Thanks.