July 19, 2016

Well after many months of planning and preparation ‘our’ Syrian family arrived today …. now, no longer ‘refugees’ but ‘newcomers’!  They travelled by Egypt Air from Amman, Jordan to Cairo, then caught a flight to Toronto.  This was a 20 hours journey in all.  The plane was on time!  The family were greeted inside the terminal by an Arabic-speaking volunteer with Malton Neighbourhood Services, who guided them through the whole landing process, including Immigration & Customs and the provision of their SIN & Federal health cards.  The sponsorship ‘welcoming’ group (Al P, Heather & Walter with Rashid, Walter’s friend who served as interpreter) were finally able to greet the family after a two hour wait.  Ahmed was the first one to see our welcome sign, and he broke out into a huge smile.   Randa was carrying the baby (Sham) who was fast asleep, and the two boys were walking with their parents.  After initial greetings and welcome (we managed Arabic greeting words), with their permission, a photo was taken.  Al and Ahmed then signed some paper work, and we were free to take them to the car, and install all three children into appropriate car seats (expertly installed the previous day by John D. – thanks so much John).  There was another greeting party at the apartment ( Ruby & Gary, Sandy & Al) They were joined by Walter and Rashid with Gina & Al S (BBC) and Faye with Heather.  Faye speaks Arabic and is willingly available to serve as an interpreter, to help the family learn the ropes of daily living.  As well as Rashid and Faye we have offers of help from a number of other translators. The folks at Basilique (a restaurant in Westdale) generously provided meals for the first day.   It was clear that the family were exhausted from the journey.  We left Saleh (age 6) and Sham (20 months) busily playing with toys in the bedroom.  Ibrahim (age 5) was quite tearful and stuck close to his dad.   As you can imagine there are lots of instrumental tasks to attend to, and we are trying to organize things so that they are manageable and not overwhelming.  But  …. the important first step is over.  They are here, and we thank God for this, and look forward to supporting them as they settle in their new country and home.