Imakulata. That’s a name I had not heard before. I am told it’s a French name typically spelled Immaculata that means, “without stain”. How beautiful the name is and how beautiful Ms. Imakulata is whom I have come to know while serving refugees in my community. When I first met her she was oh so shy but very happy and excited to be able to come and socialize with the other students while learning English. She must now be in her 70s it seems…maybe older…she won’t tell. She greets me as she does every other teacher with a huge… clinging… long… bear hug and a contagious giggly smile.

I had forgotten how much I adore those bear hugs from Ms. Imakulata until I was able to return to class after some time out. I picked her up for school and she walked up to me with a huge smile and giggles recognizing it was me again! She grabbed my cheeks and squeezed them as though they were a chubby child’s cheeks showing me that she had missed me and recognized my absence. She then hugged me with that comfy encouraging long bear hug. I could tell she was so happy to see me as was I her. Her bear hug made me cry…I so have missed seeing her each week! What a blessing she is to me!

Early on in our classes, Imakulata would put her hand over her mouth and giggle every single time she attempted to make her mouth form an English word. She repeated everything that was said as best as she could, even when repeating wasn’t my goal, “What is your name?” I’d ask. “What is your name?” she’d repeat.

To our knowledge Imakulata had never stepped foot into a classroom before coming to our Asha’s Refuge basic English classes. Like many girls, she was never given an opportunity in Burundi, Africa to go to school. I’m certain her responsibilities around the house were more important to her family for her to do than going to school. She was so happy to be in class.

Imakulata was unable to hold a pencil her first days and weeks and months in class. Using a pencil as a tool to form letters she didn’t even know was difficult for her and something she very much struggled with. I secretly wondered if she would ever succeed with learning to write or speak English. Imakulata has never given up. She seemed to understand the importance for her to learn how to write and sign her name here in America. She was eager and pressed in to learn.

I remember showing Imarkulata picture flash cards to teach her vocabulary. She would giggle and laugh shyly at herself as she would mutter out the new sounds of the English words.

Imakulata is now writing her name and speaking some (even if it’s just a little) English! It has been about five years…she seems to finally be getting more comfortable with her pencil and writes all the letters of the English Alphabet. She can even say each letter along with several words. Imakulata has become so much more confident in herself since attending classes. I’m certain she understands more of what we say to her than she expresses back to us. I’m very proud of her.

Here is a picture of our friend Imakulata. She is proudly wearing a dress she hand made out of Deborah’s mothers donated fabric. We have since collected lots of fabric for her and for some other students. We, therefore, DO NOT NEED any fabric at this time. Thank you to all those teachers who have assisted and encouraged Ms. Imakulata…she is very appreciative of Asha’s Refuge and thankful to all the friends she has made. Please continue to pray for her.