In 2011, Senayit fled to South Africa from Ethiopia due to political issues and instability. She spent 8 years in South Africa as a refugee with her family. Senayit describes her time in South Africa as being very challenging for her family with no work opportunities for immigrants and high-crime areas. In South Africa her husband fell sick and with very little access to healthcare, Senayit describes how difficult it was to raise 3 young boys and take care of her husband constantly worried for their safety and health