Gambian refugee Musa Saidykhan walks to the bus stop on his way to the Grand Rapids Islamic Center holding his two-year-old daughter Fatumata. He fled his country after being arrested, tortured, and repeated followed by the government for his journalism. Now in his third month in the United States, he is working hard to provide for his family and begin a new life.
Musa rides the bus with his three children, Sidat, 7, left to right, Jerreh, 5 and Fatumata, 2 to the Grand Rapids Islamic Center where he prays once a week. One of the first things Musa learned when he arrived in the States was how to ride the bus system. He takes pride in being independent.
Musa often stays with the children when his wife, Aramata is running errands. He is currently working at a temporary worker at Kellog's, but some weeks they only need him to work one day. "The job I have at the factory, that job requires no skill. But I have to start somewhere," Musa said.
Musa plays with his daughter Fatumata while Jerreh runs in from the kitchen. Musa wants to eventually write a book about his experiences at the hands of his government. A CNN Free Press Africa Award recipient, he has many connections. "Once you have connections, you can always weather the storm," he said. His most immediate concern though, is learning to drive.
Flanked by his children Sidat, left, and Jerreh, Musa prays five times a day and attends a service once a week. "I am not a nominal Muslim," Musa said. His children participate, though they often sneak looks at the television set behind them.
Eating on the floor out of the same dish together is a Gambian tradition that Musa continues with his family. "Once people all eat out of the same basin they tend to love each other," Musa said.
