The prologue of Learning America by Luma Mufleh is a poignant introduction to the story of a woman who finds herself in a refugee resettlement community in Clarkston, Georgia, and discovers a group of boys playing soccer. The book is a memoir that chronicles Mufleh’s journey of building a soccer team, the Fugees Family, with young refugees from war-torn countries like Afghanistan, Iraq, and Somalia.
As Mufleh makes a wrong turn and enters the parking lot of a shabby apartment complex in Clarkston, she notices a group of boys playing soccer. The scene instantly takes her back to her childhood in Jordan, where soccer was a universal language and a way of life. She approaches the boys and asks them to join their game. They look at her skeptically, but Mufleh manages to win
them over with her skills.
The boys, most of whom are barefoot and wearing hand-me-down clothes, communicate mainly through hand gestures, as they speak little English. Mufleh plays with them for hours, and the experience leaves a profound impression on her. She returns to the parking lot regularly to play with the boys and discovers that they are mostly refugees who have fled war and persecution in their home countries.
The prologue sets the tone for the rest of the book, which explores Mufleh’s journey of building a soccer team with these young refugees. It highlights her empathy, openness, and willingness to connect with people from different cultures and backgrounds. The book is a powerful reminder that sports can serve as a bridge between people of different races, religions, and nationalities.
In conclusion, the prologue of Learning America is a captivating introduction to a story that sheds light on the plight of refugees and immigrants in America. Mufleh’s experience of discovering a group of boys playing soccer in a parking lot and building a team with them is a powerful testament to the transformative power of sports and the human spirit.