A family of Sryian refugees has been quietly adapting to life in this country since moving into its new home here in April.
Sponsored by Drayton Christian Reformed Church, the Musalmani family is enjoying living in town and is thankful they can walk to the school, the grocery store, library and post office. All of the children are attending school and their English is improving daily, church officials note. In addition to going to school, they are receiving tutoring three days a week after school from various people who have volunteered to read with them.
Parents Hassan and Najla are going to school every morning in Waterloo to learn English through a government-funded program at Conestoga College. They are driven to school by the father of another Syrian family in town (sponsored by Markham Waterloo Mennonite Conference) who has already passed his driver’s license test and has purchased a car with the help of a loan. The family also continues to be very busy with dentist, optometrist and other medical appointments.
The children are also playing soccer this summer in Drayton and are really enjoying it, church officials note.
“On behalf of the family, we would like to thank the congregation for their ongoing support,” officials stated. “When the family moved into their house at the beginning of April it was amazing to see the many things that the congregation donated to help them get settled. They had all the dishes, beds and kitchen items that were needed. They have been very thankful for everything they have received.”
Sponsors recognize in the coming months the Musalmanis will continue to need support as they adjust to a new culture and language amid concerns for their family members that are still in Syria, Turkey and other countries.
On May 29 at 7:30pm Rev. Greg Sinclair will lead a seminar called “Islam 101 – Loving our Muslim Neighbours” at Drayton Christian Reformed Church. Everyone is welcome.
