Announcement
This is the story of the Mboka family who arrived on September 19, 2023, with the help of the International Rescue Committee, to resettle in Denver. The family of twelve includes the father, Jean-Claude, the mother, Furaha, their eight sons: Moses, Baraka, Gabriel, Wina, Sylvano, Zacharia, Benjamin, Muler, and their daughter, Beninga, along with her five year old son, Johnathan.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo
During the 1980s, Jean-Claude and his wife Furaha lived in the city of Bukavu, in The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), near the Rwandan border. When the Congo War of 1996–1997 began, in the wake of the 1994 Rwandan Genocide, Jean-Claude opened his home to peaceful neighbors, which later caused threats to him and his family. He was forced to flee with his two oldest sons, Moses and Baraka. They hid in the woods separated from Furaha, Beninga and Gabriel, living in the forest for over 8 months in unimaginable circumstances, including hunger and fear, but somehow they were able to survive. Gabriel described how the family felt during this time of separation as:
“For months dad, Mousa [Moses], and Baraka thought that we were dead… For months we thought that they were dead…”
Rwanda, Uganda, and Kenya
The family, then separated, knew that in order to stay alive they needed to keep moving. They first fled to Rwanda and then on to Uganda. They finally made it to Nairobi, Kenya. At the time, Kenya was the only country accepting refugees. In Kenya, Jean-Claude and his two sons received food and basic supplies from a local church not knowing that his wife, Furaha and the younger children, during that time of separation, were also getting help from the same church. One day, as they all arrived at the same church, they were unexpectedly reunited. The church was full of people, when Furaha and Jean-Claude saw each other. Tears streamed down their cheeks as they ran to each other and embraced.
Together again, they settled in Mukuru, which Gabriel calls the
“…the biggest dumpsite in Africa”.
The family, however, happy to be together, did not see the filth or the ugliness of it. They only saw the kindness of the man who was willing to host the family and provide shelter. The Mbokas recall that they had to try to “blend in”. So, Jean-Claude taught all his children English with the Kenyan accent. Disguising part of their identity became necessary to survive.
The United States
After years of struggling in Kenya, the family was finally granted refugee status to come to the United State. Moses remembers:
“When we were leaving Nairobi, we each received a blue envelope, and were told to always have those with us, especially when we arrive in America. This would be the only way anyone would identify us.”
The family thought that it would be one or two people from the IRC, meeting them at the airport. To their surprise, there were several people holding banners welcoming the Mbokas, when they cleared immigration at Denver International Airport. Members of the IRC co-sponsorship group Welcome Home - Alison W., Brenda T., Monica J. - were there to greet them holding banners with the American and DRC flags. Moses later shared with the “Welcome Home” group:
“You really made us feel special. We actually still have the banners. We chose to keep those memories with us.”
Alison, Brenda, and Monica did not know what to expect, as they waited for the Mbokas. They all decided to wear the IRC t-shirts saying: “Refugees Welcome”. They were holding up the banners in the arrival area and were a bit worried that they might not recognize the family and
miss them, but then realized that it would be hard to miss such a large group… Alison remembers:
“I was fearful that there will be some people not welcoming us helping refugees. But then one man came to us and said: “Thank you so much for what you are doing!”
Monica recalls:
“Here they came! All 12 of them! No missing them at all. I got the biggest, longest hug from Furaha, who said her name was Joy. How appropriate. Jean-Claude came next with a big hug. Then everyone introduced themselves with their names, which were so confusing to us… We knew immediately how blessed and lucky we were to be paired with this family.”
Brenda brought a teddy bear with her, because she knew how young Jonathan was. When she gave the stuffed animal to the boy, Alison remembers:
“The look on his face was priceless! He could not believe he received the teddy bear. To me this was the best moment…”
Brenda says:
“When we welcomed the Mboka family at the airport, they were so happy to see us. They did not expect to be welcomed by anyone. They greeted us with big smiles, handshakes, and hugs. We were so impressed by their excellent English. Little Jonathan seemed somewhat overwhelmed (understandably), but it brought great joy to my heart and tears to my eyes when he grinned, when I gave him the teddy bear we brought him. What a joyful experience for all of us!”
Everyone went to the baggage claim. While they all waited, the older boys started taking selfies and group pictures. The travel was long and exhausting for the family, but they somehow seemed to be re-energized after their arrival. Alison recalls:
“Meeting the family at the airport and seeing their grateful faces was the most moving moment for me…”
The IRC case workers drove the family to the extended stay hotel. On the first day, after the family was picked up from the airport, Alison was in charge of organizing a family dinner.
Alison remembers:
“One lady, also from Africa, had agreed to cook the first meal for the family (which she had never met). But she took pride in cooking this meal. This lady also came as a refugee to the U.S. about 5 years ago. She was giving back… She knew how it felt to be in an unknown country
for the first time and how comforting a meal from the homeland would feel.”
The next week, Welcome Home member Mary B. kindly hosted the family for a barbeque dinner at her house. Mary remembers:
“Shortly after the Mbokas arrived in Colorado, we hosted a BBQ at our home. Being able to gather together, share a meal, and swap stories was a nice way for the Welcome Home team and our families to get to know the Mbokas. A highlight was listening to the Mbokas play the piano and sing together as a family. The joy and love radiating from them was palpable. It was truly a lovely day and I think we all thoroughly enjoyed it.”
Three weeks after arriving, and with the help of the Welcome Home group, the family was able to move into their more permanent housing. The two apartments provide a safe space for the Mbokas to begin their new life, as they integrate into their new community. With the help of the IRC in Denver and the Welcome Home group, the family is well on their way to becoming self-sufficient, productive, and valued members of American society.
Brenda states:
“Since I have gotten to know this wonderful family, I have been impressed by their many talents. Within this large family, there are motivational speakers, a clothing designer, an artist, a talented singer, a pianist, and a guitar player. And we continue to discover more of their talents! This family loves to sing and dance together, and it is a moving and beautiful experience to watch or join in as they express their happiness and faith through music. This family has had many dark and difficult days (and years), yet they continue to find joy and gratitude. There are many lessons we can learn from them - they are truly an inspiration!”
Welcome Home lead and co-lead, Alexa and Bob W. share:
“We are surprised at how quickly the Mbokas have adapted to their new community. The Mbokas are succeeding in overcoming the
many challenges that come with moving to a new country, including: school enrollment, job searches, learning RTD transportation and making new friends and connections. We have no doubt that they will become good and valued neighbors in the Denver metro area.”
And Welcome Home volunteer, Julia H. adds on:
“I am happy to get to know every family member with the time. Everyone has unique talents and everyone is optimistic about their future. I have no doubt, their future is going to be great here. As an immigrant myself, I know, the first years will not be easy, but if you keep on having a positive attitude, be open to learning the ways of American culture, you can contribute to your community and have a good life here.”
The Mboka family is very thankful for all the support they received from the IRC in Denver and the Welcome Home co-sponsorship team. Jean-Claude constantly reminds all his children:
“People have helped you to be alive today. So, as your father, I am not misleading you by telling you to trust everyone! There are still people who are kind. There is still goodness in humanity… Keep on believing in humanity…”
And Moses adds on:
“As the Mboka family we are committed to helping others, to enhancing the lives of others, and to always being grateful for everything!"
The IRC in Denver welcomes the Mboka family to Denver with open arms, and thanks the Welcome Home Co-sponsor Group for jointly developing this beautiful story.
If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a co-sponsor, please reach out to the IRC's Community Engagement Manager Homayoon Milad at [email protected]
Written by: Hanna Simmons
