During the summer of 2018, Because International’s team stepped away from the desks to embark on three local shoe distributions in Boise, Idaho. In conjunction with the International Rescue Committee, a group who helps resettle refugees in the Treasure Valley, the Because team gave out 100 pairs of The Shoe That Grows.

Today, the world faces the highest number of refugees on record—25.9 million, and more than half of refugees are children, The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) classifies someone as a refugee when that person has been “forced to flee his or her country because of persecution, war, or violence.” In fact, “one person becomes displaced every two seconds—less than the time it takes to read this sentence.” 

A family from Somalia who received shoes for their children shared about their journey. Osman and Hawo are the proud parents of three children. Osman explained his experience as a refugee. 

BECAUSE: TELL US ABOUT YOUR JOURNEY TO THE UNITED STATES? 

Osman: When I was very young, the war broke out in Somalia. Most people fled to different countries. I went to Kenya with my brother to a refugee camp and registered with the UNHCR. I waited 15 years, and then I got the chance to resettle in the United States. In 2006, I came to the US, and in 2012 I became a citizen. I got married and now we have three children.   

B: WHAT WAS IT LIKE WHEN YOU GOT TO BOISE, IDAHO?

Osman: I knew nothing about the USA when I came. I knew I was going to go to the best country. A big place with freedom. I didn’t know what to expect and I knew no one in Idaho. When I arrived they taught us some culture of the US, how to find a job, how to live. They told us it was a small city with a river. 

I wanted to work immediately when I got to the US. I came here to work; I didn't want to wait. I went to a McDonalds near my house, applied, and they hired me. I thought when I got a job in the US I would make a lot of money but when I got my first paycheck, I opened it and it was $300 but my rent was $375. So after that I applied to Winco. There I do everything from sanitation to lifting and loading. It is a good place to work, they treat employees well—especially in the warehouse. Everyone is accountable, even the management. If the manager does something in front of you, he can’t get away with it. It is very good; I like it there. 

After some time [other Somalis] asked me to come to Minnesota and Washington. But I got used to Idaho, I didn’t want to move. I have a good job, so I told them I like it [here]. It’s a small, safe city. 

B: WHAT ARE YOUR HOPES AND DREAMS FOR YOUR CHILDREN? 

Osman: I want to try to raise them well. I am trying to teach them well and treat them well so they contribute to the community and take care of themselves. We are grateful to receive the “growing shoes.” Now they have another pair of shoes to wear outside and to school.

Whether across the globe or close to home, The Shoe That Grows can support self-empowerment for refugee families. Join us at becauseinternational.org/donate.