Born in 1988, Monira grew up in Khartoum, Sudan. She came to the US at age 30, knowing only three English phrases: Help, How are you? and Hi. She is grateful to be in America, safe from the violence in Sudan. “I’m so lucky,” she says. “I prayed every day for my God to bring me here. Every day I pray for American people. I love America. I love everybody here.”

Yet to come here, Monira had to leave everyone behind: her parents, siblings, cousins, friends, everyone she knew and loved, and with communication constantly disrupted, she stays worried for their safety. When we talked, she said, “I haven’t heard my mother’s voice in two weeks. I don’t know if my family is safe or not safe right now. That is not easy for me.” She hopes her family will come to America too, one day. “I am strong,” she says. “I can’t give up.”