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Begin the Voyage
Two years ago my sister moved to America from the Netherlands because we couldn't afford to support her due to taxes. She wrote home telling us about her amazing new home and how we can practice our religion freely. I wanted that freedom so I decided to follow. -
Arriving
When I got off the boat, I tripped over my small suitcase that had my bible and clothes and really hurt my knee. This lead to the health inspector thinking I had a lame leg and I was sent to stay with the sick people for two days until I could walk normally. Apperently that all happened becuase of a law that excluded diabled people, doesn't seem very welcoming. -
America!
After finally leaving the island I, Roos Muyskens, was in the land of the free. I began search for a job to get money for a train ticket to Michigan. -
Work
I found a job working at a textile factory but the wage is lower then I had expected so I might be here a few months. -
Train
After two months of working and saving up, I had made enough for my train ticket to Michigan and some money left over for anything I'd need when I got there. -
Michigan
Met up with my sister and she told me that she couldn't afford having me live with her permanently and I'd need to find a place to live by March. -
Church Community
My sister brought me to the church nearby to introduce me to the town and its people. I met many new neighbors and even others from the Netherlands. -
Job
A girl at church, Alissa, offered me a job at her father's general store becuase she heard about my living situation. -
Teaching
A new worker at the store was talking about his daughter's school and how it needed more teachers. I checked my savings that evening and saw that I would have enough to go to school and train to become a teacher. -
School
Alissa agreed to help me with my english before I applied for school, I would start as soon as possible and If I studied hard enough that would be next fall.
