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Refugee family celebrates first Thanksgiving

Posted at 10:20 PM, Nov 22, 2018
and last updated 2018-11-23 00:20:22-05

A Thanksgiving dinner with family and friends is an American tradition, but for one Treasure Valley family, it's all brand new.

"I think it's everyone's dream to come to the United States of America," said Jacquerine Uwumuremyi, refugee from South Africa. 

Jacquerine and her five kids have been in the United States for about a month. 

They moved from Durban, South Africa where they lived for seven years. 

"We are very excited. We want to see the food because sometimes we used to see the movies, but now we are going to see to life."  

Jenny Willison, welcome housing coordinator for Leap Charities has helped the family transition. 

"It's been excellent. They've obviously had quite a journey to get here but they already speak English fairly well so they've been able to navigate more quickly than most of the families," said Jenny Willison, welcome housing coordinator, Leap Charities. 

"It's just an honor. This is one of our favorite holidays just because it's all about families and friends and just being grateful."

Jaquerine says she speaks five languages and would like to become an interpreter.