The Other Side of the Sky

One day, in the middle of their first summer in the US, Alyce Litz came to meet Ahmedi and her mother. Litz was a volunteer with World Relief. She began to tutor Ahmedi in English once a week, but before long, the two were speaking and seeing each other regularly. Litz and her husband, John, provided Ahmedi and her mother with many of the necessities that they could not get on their own. They installed a phone and a television, and brought utensils, pots, and pans, and took Ahmedi and her mother clothes shopping. Alyce regularly gave them rides to appointments and to the grocery store. Ahmedi writes that the conveniences changed their lives, but not as much as Alyce’s friendship. Alyce came to see her almost daily, alleviating Ahmedi’s profound loneliness.

In addition to friendship and companionship, Ahmedi’s English improved rapidly, and her confidence with American culture increased accordingly. By accompanying them to doctor appointments and grocery shopping, Alyce saved them from the medical miscommunications that could potentially have serious consequences and from the seedy taxi drivers that they were dependent upon to get anywhere. Alyce also took Ahmedi places around the region to introduce her to new things.