It’s so good to be a part of the story of this family.

We knew them as refugees in Bangkok, Thailand. We were able to find a group sponsor in Canada, but the process was slow and arduous, and we despaired on many an occasion of this asylum every working. But over three years ago they were finally granted asylum in Toronto, Ontario.  What a joy to see them in Canada, our last time to see them was in Bangkok. Immediately seeing each other there were hugs, cuddles, laughter, and of course curry chicken!

Our hearts are touched by this family. We see the power of a new life, new hope, a new start, or in the words of Farzana, “Freedom!” Patricia and I got to see the other end of the crisis facing so many refugees, that of the long, slow, asylum (limbo) and integration. Here’s is proof that when a country opens its heart and doors, lives are deeply impacted in every way imaginable. As we walked through the neighbourhood watching Angel and Amelia trick or treat and little Sammy snuggled up in his stroller, my eyes teared up.

At that moment All I could think of was the goodness of God in my life and family and the goodness of Canada for this family.

But even more, how lucky Canada is, too, to have this family in it.