Journal of

Alem KeloRising Action/Climax

Nicole Bae

November, 1999

The thought of being excited for my ‘holiday’ in England is now long gone. Father’s left me and went back to Africa, and all he’s left is a letter. Now I’m stuck in an orphanage, and it’s terrible. I’m planning on running away tonight- I’m not sure how it’s going to work out. I just need to get out of here. I met Mariam and Pamela earlier, workers from the Refugee Council. It’s an organization where they help refugees. I just hope if I don’t run away, they will try to get me a foster home.

November, 1999

My runaway escape didn’t work. I walked forever and it was so cold! I slept in a barn and got yelled and chased out of it in the morning. Unfortunately, all the walking in the cold was for nothing- I had gone around and around in circles. On the bright side, Mariam and Sheila (She’s a social worker) are taking me to see a foster family. On the way, I did a screening. I was photographed, fingerprinted, and even given a number! I absolutely hated it. It made me feel like a criminal.

November, 1999

I saw the foster family yesterday, the Fitzgeralds. I decided that I would stay with them. They are very nice people, though their daughter is a bit glum. I’m already attending school and made a friend- his name is Robert.

I received a letter from Father. It was terrible news. Mother has gone missing. There are high chances that she has been kidnapped or made into a slave. I am praying that she is alright.

December, 1999

I just experienced Christmas in London. I am surprised at how many people celebrate Christmas without celebrating the birth of Christ. I got 200 euros from Mr. & Mrs. Fitzgerald, and I bought a bike with it.

January 7th, 1999

Today is the day I go to court to represent my case. Nicholas Morgan, a clean, crisp man is representing me. Mrs. Fitzgerald’s making me wear a suit. I didn’t think it would be this formal. I am very nervous about it. I hope it goes well.

Evening:

The case went better than I expected. But I will have to go to court once again in February.

January, 1999

January 16:

Father is in London! I am so glad to see him again- Words cannot express my joy!

January 20:

Father was sent to Campsfield, a place sort of like jail. Nicholas has figured it out so he is free again, and he’s staying in a hotel near us. It’s not much of a hotel. But Father is okay with it so I will try too.

Tuesday, February 15th, 1999

I had to go to court again today, this time with Father. Bad news this time. Our asylum request was denied. Nicholas says this means we have to go back to our war-torn home back in Africa.

Robert is very unhappy that I can’t stay, and he says he will create a campaign to support my case, as long as Father agrees. I hope his plan works!

Later: Father has agreed to it. Everyone’s working hard to put it together.

Day of Campaign, February, 1999

It was the day of the campaign today. It was organized by all my friends. There were hundreds of people marching with slogans and signs. It was amazing!

I went up and talked in front of all those people.

It made me feel good, not just because it was helping me, but because I felt as I was helping everyone else who wanted freedom and justice.