A conversation with Odette and her son Christian on becoming American citizens.
As of today, Canopy NWA has welcomed over 950 refugees to Northwest Arkansas. But in 2018, when Odette and her three children arrived at XNA to begin a new life, Canopy’s resettlement programs were just getting started. Today, Odette and her children are beloved figures around the Canopy office. Having participated in some of the earliest versions of our integration programs in 2019, a photo of their family literally hangs on our wall. In a way, this impact story has been over seven years in the making.
Returning to Where They Began
When we gathered in Canopy’s conference room, the clock had ticked past 4 PM, and a rare sense of calm settled over the space. Coming off a busy week, Odette and her eldest son, Christian, had every reason to be tired. Instead, they smiled—radiant with unmistakable joy.
At first, I thought it was just the sunshine—that warm spring air inviting us into the weekend. But it was clear their return to Canopy, their “alma mater” of sorts, brought something even sweeter.
The office holds deep meaning for them—a front door to their new life. When they first stepped inside seven years ago, the journey toward citizenship had just begun. Now, they sat once more, this time as American citizens after a long but successful process.
Our conversation began as Odette and Christian fondly recalled their first friendships through Canopy’s Co-Sponsor program, now called the Circle of Welcome. Christian reminisced about a chance meeting with the hiring staff at Butterfield Trail Village, a retirement community in North Fayetteville, where he began his health care career. Now a Public Health and Pre-Pharmacy double major at the University of Arkansas, he looked back with laughter—tempered by clear humility and hard work.
As for Odette, she arrived with 17 years of experience as an educator and librarian in Africa—an entire career left behind. Employment in the U.S. came with new challenges. She prepared for her first interview with an early childhood education center in Springdale. Yet her warmth and qualifications led to a second interview and, soon after, a position as an assistant teacher. Today, she’s a full-time teacher, indispensable member of the team.
“We Are Still Rwandan”
Later, when asked, “Where do you claim identity? Is it where you were born?” Christian, now in his mid-twenties but wise beyond his years, smiled and replied, ““We are from Rwanda, and I am proud to have Rwandan roots. Our identities are shaped by where we come from, but also by where we are and the communities we build together, we are also proud to call ourselves Americans” are from Rwanda, and proud to be Rwandan. Identity is still the same—it’s Rwandan. Even as a refugee, you still have the roots that you grew.”
Together, Christian and Odette reflected on Rwanda—the joy of knowing neighbors and “the beautiful weather… that requires people to work together.” Much like the heart of Canopy’s work in welcoming new neighbors, Christian shared, “Our lifestyle allowed you to know and help your neighbor. Everyone knows everyone—it’s a communal kind of community.”
Odette added, “When the war happened in 1994, people fled, and then came back. But everything changed.” With calm reflection, she continued, “You want to be free. You want peace. You want stability. When there’s trouble, you don’t think about the future. Stability helps you find normal in your life.”
From here, their joy never wavered. There were, after all, other things to talk about.
Becoming U.S. Citizens
All refugees become eligible to apply for American citizenship after five years of living in the U.S. As that milestone approached, Odette and her family began preparing.
Christian described the process: the paperwork alone was daunting, but the real challenges were cultural differences, language barriers, and the stress of starting over. “When we came to the U.S., We spoke English but the accent was a challenge in the beginning” he said. “We didn’t even know where we were on the map. But I knew when I called Canopy, they would respond with love.”
“The application took time and work. You need to be a good person everywhere you go—at work, at home, everywhere,” Odette added.
Christian agreed: “It’s tough to become an American citizen—preparing for the exam isn’t easy. But it’s worth it. The cost, the work—it’s a personal commitment.”
With poetic honesty, Odette reflected, “Panic can cause forgetfulness. But you gain confidence when you ask, ‘Can I become someone new?’” Today, with her U.S. passport in hand and photos from a recent visit to meet her newborn granddaughter in Canada, that confidence has carried her through.
Their message to other refugees was clear:
“Apply. It’s worth it,” said Odette.
“Through the process, you’re not alone. Canopy is with you,” Christian affirmed.
Carrying the Commitment Forward
At Canopy, we hold ourselves accountable to Christian’s affirmation. Through our Long Welcome program—including case management, legal services, employment services, entrepreneurship opportunities, and more—we continue walking alongside each family. While the circumstances of arrival may be traumatic and the journey long, we are honored to serve the 750+ eligible refugees still on this path.
We celebrate Odette and her children as American citizens—equally deserving and deeply invested in a thriving Northwest Arkansas.
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