First Syrian Refugee Has Arrived!

It was a very moving scene at Vancouver International Airport on Thursday afternoon as a group of St. Helen's friends gathered to meet our first newcomer from Syria. Zakaraya arrived safe and sound after two years with his extended family in a temporary lean-to in Beirut. It was so wonderful to know that he was being warmly welcomed by familiar friends he had already known for years. Lisa, Richard, and Julianne had stayed with Zakaraya's family in their home in Syria during archaeological work a few years ago. Now he will stay in their home in East Vancouver.

That Zakaraya is welcomed here by friends who have been to his home country, and that Maya is there, able to speak to him in Arabic and interpret our culture to him are gifts of grace in so many ways. Grace to him in smoothing his transition we hope. Grace to Lisa, Richard, Julianne, and Maya who have been so concerned about his welfare and that of his family in the past couple of years. Grace to us all as we are able welcome to support this wonderful work, welcoming Syrian newcomers to Canada.

Photos by Randy Murray of Diocese of New Westminster Communications.