It is said that it takes a community to raise a child. It also takes a community to welcome a refugee family. On July 21^st, 2016, a team from St. Gregory’s Church welcomed the Ziyadeh family with open arms and open hearts. Here is their remarkable story:

In February 2016, after living in Jordan for 3 ½ years as refugees, Dany and Sanaa were given a glimmer of hope with notification that they were on Canada’s list of Syrian refugees being welcomed into Canada in 2016. After several months of anxious waiting, paperwork, medical tests and security checks, the Ziyadeh family received their airline tickets to Toronto. They arrived on Thursday July 21^st on Egypt Air after a long journey that started in Amman, Jordan. Members of our team welcomed Dany, Sanaa, Meritta and Silina at the airport. We were all nervous, not knowing what to expect, and not knowing what a rewarding and enriching experience laid ahead. After one month in Canada, Dany proclaimed that it had been, “The best month of his life”.

They arrived with very low English skills, yet they have learned so much, so quickly. At first we relied on the Google Translate AP, yet now they understand simple, slow sentences.  The girls speak fluent English and often help translate for their parents. They are all determined, positive, motivated and smart. The girls brought home excellent school report cards, with marks and comments that would make any parent proud. They are embracing all aspects of Canadian life including skating, swimming, school fun fairs and making snow angels.

In January, Sanaa and Dany announced some very happy news- Sanaa is expecting a baby boy, due at the end of August.  Sanaa is feeling well and is experiencing a healthy and normal pregnancy. Our Resettlement Group is resolved to help the family prepare to welcome the newest member of their family. After all of the hardship they have endured, the thrill and anticipation of welcoming a new family member in their new country is a radiant light at the end of a very long and dark tunnel.

Our Resettlement Group has been an amazing team. We all had a job and we all delivered. We reached out to family and friends, told our story and asked for help. The generosity extended to this family has been remarkable.  It has been a rewarding experience and opportunity to be on this journey with them. Over the past few months we have been by their side, helping out, as needed, yet giving the family enough space to find their way. They left their family back in Syria and their friends are scattered all over the world. Our team does our best to fill these gaps in their lives. We all genuinely care for this lovely family. They have made new friends in Canada and have reconnected with friends they met in Jordan. Their home is full of love and laughter.

Month 13 has arrived and we held a celebration on the anniversary date of their arrival in Canada. We reflected on the past 18 months, from the time of our first team meeting, to the family’s arrival, to where we are today. It was a joyous celebration. In the next few weeks, our group will gradually step aside and allow the family to make their way on their own. We feel like proud parents, with our children leaving the nest, and flying on their own. Dany and Sanaa know that we are all just a phone call away, willing to help and wanting to stay connected. We are confident that they will flourish, make us proud and become contributing Canadian citizens. What a year it has been!

Welcome to Canada, Ziyadeh Family!