The Mid-Missouri Afghan Community: “I'm really hoping that together – all of us will be able to form a strong community, which will be able to depend on each other."

Lima is a freshman at the University of Missouri and a refugee from Afghanistan. Her family came to Mid-Missouri many years ago on a special immigrant visa, or SIV.Since her father worked with the US and Afghan military, we are omitting her last name and the town they live in for safety.We met at a recent baby shower for expectant and new Afghan moms in Columbia where she was interpreting – English to Pashto. She spoke about what it was like coming to the US as a child and about what the rest of the community can do to help those immigrating to the area now.