Life in Tucson

The Ahmed family, sponsored by Saint Philip’s and Lutheran Social Services, continues to settle in to life in Tucson.

The family consists of father (Aladdin), mother (Javin), their 13 year old son (Ahmed), 12 year old daughter (Leyla), and 8 year old daughter (Rojhat). There is an older daughter in Kurdistan who is married with a child.

Saint Philip’s volunteer Jane Prescott-Smith celebrating the feast of Eid al-Fitr (the "festival of the breaking of the fast") with the Ahmed family in their apartment.* Photo: Saint Philip’s parishioner Ann Wilbanks

Here are some developments as the family continues to create a life in Tucson:

Aladdin found a car through contacts in the Kurdish community in Tucson. This has increased the family’s independence and allowed Aladdin to work more hours.

Being able to work additional hours is particularly welcome now because one of the grants that supported the family expired last month. Finances remain extremely tight.

Saint Philip’s and Lutheran Social Services will pay a portion of the family’s rent for the next six months. This will enable the Ahmeds to pay off their car loan and own it free and clear. This six month window will also give the family time to find a less expensive place to live.

School remains challenging for the children but they are learning English and adjusting to cultural differences.

Lehlav, the middle daughter, has complex special needs, and efforts are being made for her to complete evaluations before year’s end so that appropriate services will be in place before the start of school in the fall.

Saint Philip’s parishioners Julia Rochon and Chelsea Bayley have been tutoring Ahmed and Rojhat every week. The family hopes to register them in summer school.

Efforts are also underway for the family to receive swim lessons this summer from Dolphins of the Desert Swim Academy.

As the family gets established with appropriate doctors everyone is having their medical needs addressed. Dental care is not covered by their insurance so this remains an outstanding need.

*While Christians observed Lent and Easter in March and April, Muslims observed Ramadan—a time marked by fasting, reflection, charity, and prayer. Faithful Muslims abstain from food and drink between dawn and sunset. It concluded this year on May 2 with the feast of Eid al-Fitr or the "Festival of the Breaking of the Fast."