John Kananda

Green Card Lottery and the American Dream: Kenyan Winner Surprises, Apprehension and Experiences John Kananda

ABOUT THE BOOK This is a true story by Martha, a Kenyan High School graduate. She was only 18 when, motivated by desire to have gainful employment, she applied and won green card to live, work and study in USA. The application was a gamble. The win was a surprise but only the beginning of many more surprises. The step by step journey from selection to landing in the United States as legal immigrant is both inspiring and informative. She exposes challenges that confront young people with great promise but limited resources. With no experience she finds herself planning, traveling, meeting and living with strangers. She credits her moral courage to her parents who brought her up in a Godly manner and exposed her to both rural and urban way of life. Dad's parting words at the airport still linger in her mind "Every good gift and every perfect present comes from heaven..." James 1:17. Different views about life in America are expected from relatives and friends to anyone in similar situation. As she contemplates on the positives and negatives, she draws strength from her American host, Joakim who said, "America is not an advisable destination for the lazy and unimaginative minds. A good test should be: If you can make it in Africa, you will excel in USA". He went on to say "... When you come to America, work hard; enroll in classes to study and stay focused. Keep good company and avoid anyone who would lead you to engage in self destructive activities." The second part of the book is relevant information, readily available in public domain, which Martha found helpful in her settling process in America. It is helpful not only to newly landed immigrants but also those who have been in the country for many years.