Late Breaking News! Update from the Refugee Sponsorship Committee

This Wednesday we got word that The Al Atmeh family will arrive in Canada on July 19th, leaving Jordan on July 18th!  On Thursday we contacted Ahmad by phone (our fourth phone call over the last couple of weeks).   He had already received this news from the embassy in Amman.    All our conversations have been facilitated by Louise’s neighbour, Warda, who is an excellent translator.   This way we have been able to connect with the family, to provide information about who we are as sponsors, to answer his questions and to offer reassurance that we will help with everything step by step over the long term.

Our committee will convene on June 27 to make final preparations.    We know that many of you are pleased to help out in different ways, and we will be contacting you with specific requests, and we are, of course, open to any suggestions.

Here is a reminder about the Al Atmeh family. They are from Daraa in Syria, but currently in Jerash, Jordan.  Ahmad (husband) is 33 years old; Randa his wife is 25 years old.  The eldest child, a boy, is Saleh aged 6. His brother Ibrahim is 5 years old and their sister, Sham is 19 months old.  They have no relatives in Canada.  They speak Arabic and a smattering of English.  Ahmad has Grade 8 and has worked in construction and as a labourer.  He wants to work in Canada as a Carpenter.  Randa has attained Grade 7 education, has experience as a Hair Dresser and wants to continue this work in Canada.

We move forward in great hope, praying for wisdom and strength to establish a loving, respectful and positive relationship with the Atmehs, who, immediately upon arrival, will no longer be refugees but newcomers!