Yes, they have arrived. Last Wednesday we waited at the Toronto Airport for two hours after their plane arrived and then we saw them in the flesh. After a year of emailing and video call visits we were able to see them in real life. It was an incredible meeting. There were 17 of us there – 12 of us from the church and five of my family members who came to join in the fun. We had Canadian flags, posters saying welcome, flowers and a red-bedecked teddy bear. When Hassan, Berivan and Pella finally came through the sliding doors we hooted and hollered and laughed and cried all at once! There were hugs and more hugs. It was quite the experience for all of us.
Since then many have asked if I am happy. Well, yes, I am happy about it. Others have asked how it feels and I have had to do an inventory of feelings. Happy – check. Grateful – check. Delighted – check. The list goes on and when I get to the bottom of things what I mostly feel is relieved. Relief that this little family of three who were living as refugees are now safely here in Canada.
They came to church Sunday morning, troopers that they are, and were quickly held in the warm embrace of the congregation. The love in the sanctuary was palpable as they stood at the front beaming at the crowd of people who made their move to Canada possible.
Many unknowns await them. Job opportunities, learning Canadian customs and habits, eating our food that seems so odd to them and the general feel of living in a foreign land. But right now we are all hanging on to the sense of relief, relief that they are finally here safe and sound.
As we rode the bus all the way back from Toronto Hassan kept saying, “Thanks God.” Thanks God indeed. Prayers answered. Hallelujah – what a relief.
If the family needs a computer or technical help, let me know. I can volunteer to help.
The church has some older but working computers that I can clean up and make ready for use or I can find something acceptable if needed.