"How privileged we are to have this opportunity"

Refugee family arrives to a warm welcome

St James Dundas and Christ Church Flamborough welcomed a refugee family to Hamilton, Ontario, on February 24. Below is an account of the family's first day in Canada, written by a member of the sponsoring group.

M., A., M Jr. and S. are a lovely family. Although there is hardly any English understood or spoken we were able to recognize their happiness in the kiss M Jr. gave me when I tried to put the Canada hat on his head, one of the welcoming gifts bought for us by Marie. The smiles of A. as she held close her pretty little S. who is teething and not feeling well, the warmth and humour of M. who told us that he didn't have words to express his thanks, made me truly know that St. James and Christ Church had done the right thing by reponding to the call to sponsor. How privileged we are to have this opportunity.

There was much chat at the airport as several families from the refugee camp were arriving on the same plane, hence people knew each other. Reunions between previous camp residents and those just arriving revealed a joy and understanding between people whose experiences were very much the same. Flags we took were shared with others and the lovely welcoming sign Jean made for us and for them, stood high, as did Ken's large Canadian flag.

(On the way home) questions from us and them flowed, ranging from going shopping, tired, condiitons in the camp, money, laws etc. etc. Finally little M Jr.slept. The love between the parents and the children was very clear to see.

At the apartment, the sign of welcome was on the door, and the flowers gave gaiety as the warm lights welcomed. After luggage was brought up, and the place perused, we chatted. Phone calls made to various people evoked smiles and expressions of joy even though we couldn't understand the language. Big eyes as they opened the cupboards stocked by Sara. After coordinating the use of the key and clarifying the upcoming things to be done, we left a very, very tired but happy family. Thank God.

For more information about refugee sponsorship, contact your diocesan refugee coordinator, or Carolyn Vanderlip, PWRDF 50th anniversary facilitator, at 416-924-9199 ext 266 or cvanderlip@pwrdf.org