I get the Saturday edition of The Globe and Mail. Some articles catch my interest and attention, whereas others are scanned over.
In recent issues, there were extensive articles about some of the Syrian refugee families and how they are adjusting to a Canadian way of life. Although they feel safe in their new surroundings, the longing and missing their Syrian family and homeland is on their minds. Cell phones and other devices help them to keep contact almost daily. Some times the news is not what they want to hear, and the ones in Canada feel badly for those left behind.
Refugees who have English language experience find it easier to master the language, however those who only knew their native tongue find it more difficult, but their hopes are high that within a year they will be able to work and carry on a conversation. Some were able to get their driver’s license, although they are having problems with road rules.
The refugees who were privately sponsored have more support and help as the sponsors assist them in their travels, whether it is to find a family doctor, learn the banking system, understand school programs or even buy groceries.
The refugees are proud to introduce their native foods to the new friends in their gatherings as they get to know each other better. After staying in a hotel for a week or more after their arrival, a more permanent home is found and with the help of their sponsors, they are able to make it more like a Canadian home. Some sponsors even gave refugees several acres of land to start their gardening with the possibility of having vegetables for sale. Others used their land to start a sheep farm as they were farmers in their home land.
Many of our grandparents came to this country to start new lives without all the help that is available for newcomers now, especially refugees. They were glad they could purchase a quarter of land for $10, build a crude shelter, start a garden with some seeds brought over and work hard to build up their livestock and other possessions. From the humble beginning, now the fifth and sixth generations benefit from their perseverance.
May the new refugees celebrate a promising way of life in the years to come!
