Rhoda Mapenzi
/New American of the Month
Rhoda Mapenzi
“America and CFNA are special to me and my family. They have given me an education and new friends, and have provided us with a new home,” says Rhoda Mapenzi, a high school student who came to the USA with her family when she was 6 years old. The family’s first stop was Atlanta, where they were resettled as refugees from Uganda. A year later in 2016, they moved to St. Louis.
“I was very small when I arrived, but I remember my parents telling me how difficult it was in Uganda. We are originally from the Congo, but my parents fled because of war. They sought to keep us safe and provide for us as best they could. We did not have a good home in Uganda, as it was hard to get enough food and also pay for school expenses. We got by with the vegetable garden my parents planted. My older siblings were the ones who got to go to school. I did not get the chance until we arrived in St. Louis.”
Growing up in the midst of these challenges made the Mapenzi family resilient, yet thankful for new opportunities. “Yes, I experienced bullying at school and there were mean people who asked why I was here and not in my own country. But I understood that these are life experiences I had to live with. My Christian faith was always a pillar of strength that helped me and my family survive,” Currently, working through school studies, juggling household chores, performing big-sister responsibilities, and caring for younger siblings are difficult, yet God given opportunities. Through it all Rhoda is learning to grow into the person God wants her to be.
Christian Friends of New Americans (CFNA) is a place that is helping her shape her future. According to Rhoda: “When I first came to CFNA for the After School Tutoring program I met people who became my friends and helped me with homework. CFNA expanded my world, and it was a place where I learned to be confident and loving towards others.”
“Over the years I participated in singing and swimming programs, childcare, VBS and more. CFNA volunteer, Amy Zeigler, even helped me get into a very good high school, Collegiate School of Medicine and Bioscience. After seeing the wonderful work of the CFNA volunteers, I also became a volunteer and helped with their Christmas Give Away and some of their tutoring programs. I have learnt a lot at CFNA, and it is a part of me now.”
Rhoda’s introduction to forensics at school has instilled in her a desire to pursue a future in Criminal Justice. Her Christian foundation also cultivated a desire to enhance her singing skills and serve others. CFNA matters to Rhoda because it has enabled her to develop a vision for her future. “The devotions at CFNA really helped me understand the Bible in new and impactful ways. The Christian volunteers have shown me the importance of being a follower of Jesus and sharing His message with others. In addition to providing support for my family, my dream is to become skilled in serving my community, as well as in sharing the love and message of Jesus.”
Amen, Rhoda. We wish you the very best!
By Rev. Stanish Stanley
Executive Director, CFNA
