In part four of our series on the Afghan refugees in Green Bay, we hear from a volunteer with Catholic Charities of Green Bay.
Mary Arnold has given a lot of her time helping the men, women, and children who were able to escape Afghanistan as the Taliban regained control.
Mary has been a volunteer at Catholic Charities for quite some time and quickly decided to help when she learned about the refugees coming here.
As for what exactly she does, Arnold said “I have driven people to various appointments and places they need to go. I have taken people to Paul’s Pantry, and when we go for the first time, I go through with them because there are so many foods that are unknown and strange. I have driven people to doctors’ appointments and dental appointments, and to the pharmacy to get prescriptions filled.”
During one visit to a doctor with a mother and infant child, Mary recalled having to help the mother understand what exactly the doctor was instructing.
She was told to mix the formula with two ounces of water.
The problem is the mother had never used ounces before.
“I asked mom…through sign language that I wanted to see what kind of bottles she had,” Mary expalined. “She brought out the supplies she had. I looked through, and put aside the bottles marked in liters, and found one that was marked with ounces.”
While Mary is helping them acclimate to American culture, she explained that they are also helping her acclimate to their culture.
“One of the striking aspects of this culture is their hospitality,” Mary said. “When I go to a home, I no sooner get my foot in the door, and they are saying ‘Please come in, sit down, have tea.’ If I take them to an appointment, and bring them back home that is repeated…They are offering me kindness and welcome.”
Mary echoed the statement made by Sayed, whom we heard from yesterday, as she said that Green Bay residents have been more than welcoming to their new neighbors.
One even baked a family a loaf of cranberry bread and brought it to them.
Mary was beaming with pride as she noted the welcoming nature of the Green Bay community to these people who have been through so much and are looking to have a fresh start here in Eastern Wisconsin.
In the final part of our week-long series, we will hear from others from Catholic Charities regarding what they need in order to keep helping our Afghan brothers and sisters.
