2024 - Q4

Museum Club

Bridge Builders will be giving a presentation called Refugees in Idaho Falls at the Museum of Idaho Thursday Nov 21, at 3:00 PM.  https://museumofidaho.org/series/museumclub/  

If you have heard me speak at the Rotary Club, BYU-I, State Conference on Refugees, etc. you should know that this Museum Club presentation will be new and improved.  The highlight will be that R, with his recently arrived wife L, will be telling a bit of their story in person. The presentation schedule looks like:

• 10 minute video. Mostly different newcomers' thoughts in their own words. (Plus, possibly the first time that Muzzy Braun and Lecrae have been on the same soundtrack.)

• Joe - Brief intro to US immigration and how refugees in Idaho Falls fit.

• Joe - Brief intro to Afghanistan and the Hazara people. Don’t expect comprehensive academic brilliance from me like you would from Karen Liebert on Ukraine or Jeff Carr on Russia.

• R & L - In 2021 US immigration and Afghanistan intersect, and poof! R and L will come up to introduce their story.

• Q and A

Operation Reunification

In the newsletter I sent last month, we introduced a fund-raiser to help bring pilot’s wives from Afghanistan.  So far we have raised $19,700 and are closing in on a goal of $24,000 by the end of the year.  Thank you!

Volunteering

The newcomers from Afghanistan and Ukraine have been helped by many people in Idaho Falls. One of my very favorite volunteers was Phyllis Tobias. We met her through the Exchange Club about the time a three generation family arrived through the Uniting for Ukraine program.  Phyllis said, “I’m going to go to their house every week and help Grandma learn English.” After one lesson it became obvious that Grandma had zero interest in learning English.  Phyllis was not discouraged. She said “I’m going to help Mom with her pregnancy and new baby.” She did exactly that, and was actually in the delivery room when Baby D was born. She continued to help with the new baby. She took initiative and helped in cheerful, practical ways, behind the scenes and with no expectation of accolades.

In September Phyllis was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor.  She texted and asked if we could help arrange a last visit with Mom and Baby D. When my wife Kim helped that happen, Phyllis' body was starting to fail but her mind was still sharp. Healthy fifteen month old Baby D’s mind is developing fast, and his body looks like the Michelin Man. He has a wide smile,  infectious giggle, and likes to play peek-a-boo. Phyllis said, “Being there for his birth was one of the highlights of my entire life.” She died Oct 27. 

There is a great opportunity for volunteers like Phyllis right now.  Two intelligent, fun Afghan wives in their 20’s have arrived in Idaho Falls, and you could help them with transportation to appointments, improve their English, learn to drive, explore Idaho Falls, and even help with a pregnancy and in January, a new baby! This is an opportunity for women only.  No special skills are needed, although nerves of steel would be a plus if you plan to help with driving lessons. Kim would be glad to arrange an introduction and help get you started.