In part three of our series on the Afghan resettlement in Green Bay, we hear from a man who is helping Catholic Charities of Green Bay acclimate our newest neighbors.
Sayed Wardak has been living in the Green Bay area for around six years after serving with the United States Army as an interpreter for several years.
In fact, Sayed got his start in the same base as our own Ryan Brahm in 2011.
Sayed told us that the over 100 refugees that are being resettled in the area have voiced their appreciation for Catholic Charities, and the residents of Green Bay.
“They are so happy. They are feeling like they are welcome in Green Bay,” he said. “A neighbor over there where they are living, are welcoming them. They are so happy so far. They have no problem.”
Sayed said that one of the biggest differences for these men women and children revolves around transportation.
He explained that in Afghanistan, vehicles are not as big a part of everyday life as they are here in the U.S.
Even if they had a vehicle, the traffic laws are non-existent.
“When I was driving in Afghanistan, there was no stop sign, no stop light, no lanes, no changing lanes, whatever you want for a speed limit you can do,” he explained. “Right now, if I go back to the country, I can NOT drive. I will not drive.”
Plus, for many communities in Afghanistan, there was one vehicle for an entire village, so most people walked wherever they were going.
That is a habit that many of the refugees have carried into their life in Wisconsin.
Sayed explained that he has been helping them get into the habit of using a vehicle to help them avoid the harsh winter weather.
When asked how he is feeling seeing his fellow countrymen make their way to the area, he said with a huge smile on his face, “I’m so happy for them. I have a community right now. I have people. I used to be by myself. I work part-time, but they all have my phone number. Even if it’s Sunday, Saturday, New Year’s, Christmas…I am finding them and making them whatever they need.”
Tomorrow we will hear from a volunteer with Catholic Charities who has donated her time to help the refugees and show them the meaning of Wisconsin nice.
