Sifa’s Story
Sifa came to the United States in January 2025. After years of waiting in a refugee camp, she and her family learned that their resettlement was approved! They were thrilled to have the opportunity to come to the United States.
Sifa arrived in Indiana this January, and her family was supposed to arrive just a few weeks later. The family had a plan: Sifa would watch the children and care for the home, and her daughter and son-in law would work to provide for the family. But when President Trump froze the refugee resettlement program, her family’s flights were abruptly cancelled.
Suddenly, Sifa faced something she had never imagined: she would have to live here in Indiana alone.
The first few weeks here weren’t easy. Sifa’s case manager jumped into action, helping her rethink what her life would be like here in our community.
Now, Sifa lives with another Congolese family who cares for her like one of their own. Each day, she wakes up early and takes a walk, exploring the apartment complex where she lives and taking the time to appreciate her neighborhood. Then she returns home to help cook traditional Congolese dishes for the family, watch their children, and work on adjusting to life in the United States.
And she’s making incredible progress!
Exodus helped provide her with English classes that have helped her grow more confident navigating her local community. With the help of her case manager, she has become a strong advocate for herself and is learning how to navigate new systems every day. And every day, she works to provide for those around her. She loves her neighbors and shares her food, stories, and wisdom with them. Indiana has slowly become not just the place where she lives, but a true home.
And yet, Sifa is still afraid.
She worries about her children and grandchildren and longs for the day she will be able to hold them again. “The most important thing is my family. I want my family to be whole again.” Conflict is ongoing near the camp where her family lives, and she knows that one day, their lives could be in danger again. “They should be here, with me. They were supposed to be here.”
One day, perhaps, when the refugee resettlement program begins again, Sifa will be reunited with her family. Until then, she will continue to make a new life here. “Indiana is a good place,” she said. Slowly, it is becoming a place that she can call home.
