My Karen Grandmother- Nel Lay

I met Nel Lay when I was a student teacher at Delaware Community School in Albany. Nel Lay is originally from Burma and is Karen. In Burma, there are many different ethnic groups-Burmese, Karen, Karenni, Chin etc. All of the ethnic groups speak different languages and have different customs and beliefs. The Karen are a minority in Burma and many live on the border of Burma and Thailand.  Many Karen refugees lived in refugee camps in Thailand because they were being targeted by the government. From Thailand, they come to the United States as refugees. Many Karen were farmers and worked in agriculture all their lives. Most have never received formal schooling and may not be literate in their first language.
 When I first met Nel Lay I immediately noticed her smile. When she smiles, I can't help but smile back. Nel Lay did not really talk to me very much when I first started at Delaware. She would, however, sneak little peppermints or citrus candies into my hand. Soon, we began to talk during lunch. She would sit at one table and I would sit at another. I would always invite her to join me, but she politely refused. I later found out that it was a sign of respect. Nel Lay thought of me as The Teacher. In her country, Burma, teachers are highly respected and she was following her custom. So, we would sit at opposite tables and talk. Nel Lay would talk a lot about her country, the United States and God. I still do not know the extent of what happened to Nel Lay when she was in her country, but I know it couldn't be good. Nel Lay has four children and they all live back in Burma struggling to survive. She doesn't really talk a lot about her family because it makes her sad. I have grown close to her and think of her like a grandmother.

Today, I visited Nel Lay because I haven't seen her for a few weeks. She is one of the most caring and giving people I know. She has health problems and struggles in the United States. It is not easy for her, but she keeps smiling and tries her best. When I visit Nel Lay she is always very happy to see me. We don't always have a flowing conversation- in fact, sometimes we just sit and she pats my hand. I think love is a language and that's how we communicate, through love. Nel Lay is just one refugee who has made a difference in my life. 
You can help make a difference in their lives by donating at: http://www.youcaring.com/fundraiser_details?fundraiser_id=4219&url=educationforrefugeesandimmigrants