You might remember Hser Nay. She is a start student in Maria’s art class, and a happy story at Bishop Maginn.

She and her family were driven from their home in Myanmar by murderous soldiers, and they spent years in a refugee camp before coming to the United States and settling in Albany. She attended public schools where refugee children were often bullied and robbed.

One day on the school bus, she went to help a friend who was being harassed and was knocked unconscious and hospitalized. After that, her parents brought her to Bishop Maginn. She says Bishop Maginn saved her life, taught her English, and made her feel safe and loved. The students have supported and befriended her.

Two members of the Army Of Good paid for her total tuition at Bishop Maginn and have been mentoring and supporting her. She has made amazing progress in so short a time. Sue said she is one of the best students she has ever had.

Hser has thrived at the school and is happy and safe there, pursuing her degree in advanced technology or engineering. I almost didn’t recognize her; she seemed so confident and comfortable. She is taking Maria’s sewing class and got right to work on making a case for the pillow she is making.

Some pillows will go to the students’ homes; some will go to the Afghan refugees.

Maria loves the class, focusing on three students who are especially interested in learning how to use a sewing machine. Sue Silverstein says the students love the style and want to continue the lessons for as long as Maria can teach them.

We leave together each Tuesday morning and stay through lunchtime.  Zinnia, the school’s prom queen is hugged and spoiled every minute she’s there.

Each of the students made a pillowcase, the first step in creating pillows for their families and the new refugees. Next week, Maria will bring stuffing for the interior of the pads.

Sue Silverstein was pleased that Natalia, below, was eager to learn how to sew. She has never touched a sewing machine in her life; she was very proud of her pillowcase. We’ll be back there next Tuesday.

Natalia (above), a shy and quiet girl,  was beaming through her mask; she couldn’t wait to show her family what she had done.

She’ll be back next week. All three of the girls who took the class today – three sewing machines – want to finish their pillows.

This is a beautiful thing Maria is doing for the refugees, new and present. It is a lovely thing for me to watch. Thanks for sitting in. And thanks for buying these sewing machines.