Lilian Abdul

When you see someone different from you, think about that person. They might have something they are struggling with. They might need help from you. Say hello, be kind. A lot of immigrants come to America and they need your help. It starts with you kids. Their skin might be different but their hearts are the same as yours.

Lilian Abdul

My name is Lilian Abdul. I was born May 13, 1957 in Nigeria, West Africa. Nigeria is a male dominated country. Women and children do not have the same rights as men. Men are in control and women and children are not allowed to question anything or speak their mind.

I was raised in a very devout Catholic family. We went to morning mass during the week. Religion played a role in forming my character. Growing up, I went to Catholic school and was taught by nuns.

The nuns taught us to be good kids and disciplined us by hitting us with rulers when we talked out of turn. There I learned how to speak English, and decided that I wanted to be a nun too. I joined the convent. I learned many things there too.

When my father died my life changed. I decided not to be a nun and I went to college. I married a man who was Muslim by birth. Because I am Catholic nobody believed that the marriage would work, but he was a good man. He allowed me to practice my Christianity and agreed to raise our children Catholic. I stayed steadfast because I loved him and my marriage was based on love.

We read the Koran and the Bible. Eventually my husband decided to become a Christian too. He had 3 children of his own and we had 3 more children, 6 children all together. My husband was a professor at a University and I went to college and got a 4-year degree in accounting and a 2 year degree in business.

Sadly, my husband passed away, leaving me in Nigeria with 6 children to raise. I was scared for my children and I wanted them to have a good life. I decided to go to America, where women and children have freedom.

When I got to America my kids were accepted in school, but it was hard for me to find a job even though I was qualified and did well on the tests. My kids were treated very well in school, but it was hard for me to be accepted by people at church. We were different, but as people got to know me, they accepted me.

Now, I am free. I can speak my mind. I can practice my religion. My kids can go to school. I got a job as an accountant at a very good company. I can earn money and the money has value. I can buy clothes and can eat good food. America is a good country. I call it the land of milk and honey.