Ali is a handyman and would someday like to be a truck driver. Elham works at the Renaissance Savery Hotel as a housekeeper. She would love to go back to school to become an English language teacher. They have three children, Lowdan (5), Ezeldin (3), and Amna (1).
They came to the United States as refugees from Sudan two years ago, by way of Egypt. They have not been able to go back to their homeland in more than six years. They are very fond of the people in Iowa and appreciate the kindness that has been shown to them. They feel it is a good place to raise children; safe, clean, and friendly.
They are currently living in a low-income housing apartment. The location is not ideal for their children and hope for something safer. This May their dreams will begin to come true as the walls are raised on their new Habitat home.