Elise Malongi arrived in Maine with her three young children from Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo during the summer of 2012. A year and a half later she courageously agreed to be my very first guest on New Mainers Speak. Seven years later she is my last formal interview in this series.

A lot has happened in Elise's life in her first seven years in Maine. She has learned English, gotten her driver's license, raised three very active children, and has said "Yes!" to nearly every opportunity that has come her way: Most recently--downhill ski lessons so she could enjoy Maine with her kids.

When she said yes to learning to play squash at Portland Community Squash she had no idea that it would one day blossom into a full time job, in her field. Elise is the Finance and Facilities Director at PCS, which is a perfect job for someone with a bachelor's degree Economics and Business Administration.

Music: "Sur et Certain" (Sure and Certain) by Mama Lydia, a song that gives Elise hope.