What is your favorite thing about living in America?

Last week I was sitting with a group of women who were originally from Tanzania, when civil war erupted in their home land these women lived in a refugee camp in Burundi and have now immigrated to America via Virginia.

My purpose is to practice English with them, to grow their confidence so they can find work and improve daily interactions...and of course build relationship.

We talked about marriage and family. One woman has 11 children. Two women had seven children. One had four children. The smallest family was two children, but she was just getting started.

I asked what is their favorite thing about living in America?

One of the mothers of seven, who is also a grandma of two, said without hesitation - SLEEP! I gave her a quizzical look. She explained, "Here I sleep better. I don't worry about who is going to come to our home at night or what might happen."

Other answers were the dishwasher, washing machine and clothes dryer.

The school bus also made the list. Where they come from children walk to school, usually from long distances. They love that a bus now comes to their neighborhood to pick up their children.

As I sat with these women in their colorful wrap skirts and head scarves...I felt like I was home - that warm, comfortable feeling like all is right in the world and I am where I am supposed to be.

just Sheri, making friends