Refugee family embraces the joys presented by living in Spokane’s multicultural community. 

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Hello. مرحبا. That’s how Hilton and Priscilla met their new neighbors, a lively Syrian family sharing their triplex. What followed was a delightful comedy of errors. First, the Syrian family assumed Hilton and Priscilla were from Spain. Then, came the guesses of the U.S. or Mexico. Finally, with a burst of laughter, Priscilla revealed the truth: they were fellow refugees from Nicaragua. 

A vibrant cultural exchange blossomed between Hilton, Priscilla, their daughters, and their Syrian neighbors. The children’s playtime became a daily event, while Priscilla introduced Nicaraguan flavors, and her neighbors shared the delights of Syrian cuisine. Priscilla even received a Syrian tea as a gift. 

Initially, the family worried that they wouldn’t fit in, but they found the city’s vibrant, multicultural community to be incredibly welcoming – an ideal place to rebuild their lives. 

“Everything was completely new. The weather, the language, the people. But we feel happy to be resettled in Spokane… and we learned how to love the city, to love our neighbors, how to love their work, how to love everything! We are so glad, and we say thank God to be resettled here,” said the Nicaraguan couple. 

At first, they were wary of how immigrants were perceived in Spokane. However, Spokane’s multicultural community proved to be welcoming, and a local church opened their hearts and their arms, and gave them a place to belong. 

Driven by a strong desire to establish themselves in Spokane, the family rapidly achieved self-sufficiency. 

Upon arriving in Spokane, the couple’s primary goal was to secure employment. Their case manager, Briauna, observed their eagerness to build a new life in Spokane saying, “When they first arrived here and I started working with them, I saw how eager they were to establish their life here. They would actively engage with me, practicing their English, and were willing to jump on any employment opportunity I shared with them.” 

“People in Nicaragua are brave and can face the challenge,” said Hilton, knowing that those traits would benefit him and his family in America. 

He proved this during his first week at Spokane Produce, where his exceptional work ethic quickly earned him a promotion to supervisor. He expresses genuine satisfaction with his job, describing it as “very good”. Currently, he is managing a team of 10-12 people. 

Priscilla, meanwhile, found her moment when she saw the Providence hospital job listing. Despite her nervous hands during the interview, her determination landed her a position as a nursing assistant. She also discovered the hospital offered English classes for newcomers, allowing her to learn medical terminology at her workplace. 

While Hilton and Priscilla readily embraced Spokane’s multicultural community, their daughters, like many children, needed their support to adjust. 

Hilton and Priscilla understood that their daughters were undergoing a complex adjustment period. Children naturally require time to adapt to substantial changes, and relocating to a new country and culture is a significant change. 

Their older daughter adapted easily to the differences in social interaction, relying on the skills she acquired growing up in a highly relational and lively cultural in Nicaraguan. Over time she began to find her footing among her more reserved American peers.  

Her parents reassured her that she wasn’t an outsider, she simply needed to adjust to the different behaviors among American children. “Now she understands it’s part of the culture, so she’s adapting.” 

Their youngest daughter was nervous about attending classes because she didn’t want to leave her mother. When Priscilla asked her daughter why she didn’t want to go to school, she said, “I’m struggling because the teacher doesn’t understand me.” 

Priscilla – who speaks English – offered to teach her daughter. “What kind of words do you want to learn?” 

“I want to learn how to ask for candy,” said the girl, catching Priscilla completely off guard. Shortly after, a call from her perplexed teacher confirmed the child’s effective, albeit unconventional, use of her new vocabulary. This humorous incident marked a turning point, as Priscilla’s daughter began to look forward to attending school. 

With a desire to express their gratitude, this refugee couple plans to use their scientific skills to benefit their new country. 

As Hilton and Priscilla settle into their present life, they dream of homeownership and sharing their artistic talents – specifically music and dance – with Spokane’s multicultural community. Wanting to benefit their country, the couple aspires to leverage their degrees in micro-chemistry and establish a biochemistry lab in Spokane. 

In faith they always turn back to God in thanksgiving. “We’re thankful with God because everything happened like a miracle,” said Hilton and Priscilla. “And we’re grateful with IOM, World Relief and our pastor… and all the people that served us.” 

“They are like angels on the earth. We feel that God sent them to support us.” 

Hilton and Priscilla, and their daughters, are gratefully and happily adjusting to life in their new community.  World Relief is grateful for the many people who came alongside to offer support as they find a place to belong. 

About the Author

Keri Bambock is the Communications Coordinator at World Relief Spokane. Her hobbies include sketching and painting. She likes riding her bike to the office and always gets the best parking spot.