CFNA Students of the Month

Betty and David Mulat

by Dr. Judith Meyer

If you are talking to Betty and David Mulat, it is hard to believe that they just moved to the United States two years ago; they speak quietly and somewhat reluctantly but with no hint of an accent. According to Betty, that’s because they studied English while they lived in Israel and also at the International Welcome School here in St. Louis. Originally from Ethiopia, they also spent time in the Sudan before moving to St. Louis.Betty and David do not recall having ever lived in Ethopia. They consider Sudan their “native country”. Mr. Mulat worked as a chef in Sudan and later found work in Israel at a Sheraton Hotel. The family, including Mahlet who was two at the time, later joined him. They remained there for two years before departing for the U.S. They do not recall the reason for coming to the United States.

David, whose full name is Dawit Kasala Mulat, spent third grade at St. Louis’ International Welcome School and then came to Word of Life Lutheran School as a fourth grader. Betty, whose parents gave her that nickname (her given name is Bethlehem), attended 6th grade at the International Welcome School before starting at Word of Life. Both children started attending Word of Life in the same year (2011-12) that a number of other CFNA scholarship students transferred to Word of Life from King of Glory Lutheran School, which made the transition a little easier for them. They heard about Word of Life through the Peace Center and the Mekasha family.

Betty loves to sing, and sings in the choir at Word of Life; she plans to try out for the choral program at Lutheran South next year. She has played volleyball, but currently is not active in any sports. Her favorite subject is math, and she is taking pre-algebra at Word of Life. Most of Betty’s friends live near her, so they “hang out” in each other’s homes, talking and watching movies.

David’s friends don’t live near his home, so he gets together with them mostly at school and church activities.  Although he has played “football” here in the United States, he is not currently active in sports.  He likes science, particularly studying about animals. This spring he is part of an Oratorical Group at Word of Life, preparing to participate in a speech competition. He will give a 4-5 minute speech on “Why My Voice is Important.” Right now he is researching other speeches to get ideas.

Betty and David have a younger sister who is in first grade at Word of Life; she is supported with a scholarship through the Today and Tomorrow Fund.  Generous donors to the CFNA Adopt a Student Ministry have made it possible for Betty and David to attend Word of Life.