Dutch children's storybooks

The large stack of storybooks on the table demonstrates their eagerness to read Dutch children's stories with Kaya. Throughout Kaya's kindergarten years, they have been reading them together as a family. "It gives our home a Dutch feel!" Haide exclaims. Being born here, Kaya also speaks Dutch like a native. Mentioning this brings a smile to Haide's face; it genuinely warms her heart that her daughter can connect with the surroundings, the children, and the Dutch culture.

Kaya was born just two weeks after the couple had moved into their first home. Haide could finally take a look around and see where she would be living. She explains that "It was all the bikes that hit me." Never before had she seen so many people biking on the streets. She was also unfamiliar with letter correspondence. She was not used to receiving mail in her mailbox, and was suddenly receiving it on a regular basis. It was a minor detail, yet it brought her great joy. She quickly became a part of the Dutch culture, and four years later, this is clear to see when relating her story over coffee with me and her friend, Ans, with whom she speaks Dutch fluently .

Life was treating them well now. Haide and Fardin were already assimilated into Dutch culture and had started learning Dutch from the very beginning, both by self-tutoring and through free refugee Dutch classes. "It was a difficult time in my life, but the little things kept it fascinating," she says, smiling. Besides learning Dutch, Haide began taking walks around Leiden, making new acquaintances. She also hoped to see her family again soon. Yet 2.5 years after having fled Iran, Haide’s parents were killed.