Refugee Report 2012

REFUGEE REPORT FOR ST. ANDREW’S-WESLEY UNITED CHURCH              February 2012

Our congregation has provided a wonderful opportunity this past year for our newcomer family (Mahmoud, Salina and Asma) from the El-Hol Refugee Camp in Syria to start a new life in Canada.  Our official sponsorship comes to an end in April. 

More than $24,000 has been raised to enable us to provide rental accommodation, living expenses, and winter clothing for our family.  On their arrival at their apartment in Burnaby the evening of April 2011, our family had the joy of seeing a place decorated with good furniture, cupboards filled with linens, house wares, and a refrigerator filled with a wonderful variety of fresh foods. The welcoming committee and the Palestinian family members who had come to the airport brought their enthusiasm to their apartment and gave them a sense of coming home.

During the year we have met the family twice during worship: In May we celebrated a Palestinian meal with everyone, and then in November for Asma’s first birthday.  We invited them for a meal on Bowen Island, an experience of a Canadian Thanksgiving dinner, and an Advent meal where we practiced singing Jingle Bells in Arabic. Mahmoud and Salina also hosted the committee for a wonderful lunch at their apartment where we met some of their extended family and spent a pleasant afternoon.  At Christmas time all the Palestinian sponsoring groups and the newcomer families met at South Burnaby United Church hall for an afternoon party that was characterized with good food, great energy, much laughter, and fun.

When it was first suggested we sponsor a refugee family, none of us realized the commitment that would be required, but we have gained understanding and enjoyment from knowing our family and working with our committee.  There were others on the committee who were not part of our congregation, but who wanted to assist.  At one point, we had 3 Arabic speakers who made communications with our family much easier.   To complement Salina’s English classes, one of our committee members provides further ESL support on a regular basis.  Mahmoud is currently working at an entry-level job and Salina is working to be accepted into the Vancouver Community College's education completion program.

Our committee is grateful for the support of the congregation.  We have journeyed together to make a difference in the lives of our newcomer family.  Mahmoud, Salina, and Asma are a part of our lives and we are part of theirs. 

May they be happy and secure in their life here in Canada.  May it be so.