My Name is Josianne

by Josianne Lukaba

My name is Josianne Lukaba. I’m from Democratique Republic of Congo, Kinshasa (D.R.C.)

I will never forget the day I left my homeland, the D.R.C. in search of safety. The year was 2002 and the political unrest and violence had become too much to bear.

I fled to Zimbabwe, seeking refuge and a chance to start a new life. Little did I know that a decade later, I would receive an opportunity to start again in a new country, the U.S.A. As I boarded the plane that would take me from Harare to Washington D.C., a mix of emotions flooded my heart. Excitement for the unknown, but also goodness for leaving behind the life that I had built in Zimbabwe.

Finally, I am now in the U.S.A., a place which is also referred to as the land of opportunities. I have met beautiful and good people who are still assisting me. I don’t like the U.S.A., I love it!

Author’s Note: I am Josianne. I am a student in Blue Ridge Literacy’s Intermediate Level ESOL class.