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All I knew about people from the Middle East or Muslims for that matter was what I saw on TV. Which did not paint a flattering picture, a lot of violence, a lot of hate. We live in a small rural community in Ontario. In 2016, I had no connection or rarely ever saw anyone from the Middle East, except for maybe once in a while at the mall. And I have to confess, when I saw women dressed in black with their faces completely covered, I felt fear and curiosity.

So when I, along with three members of our sponsorship team went to the airport to pick up the Syrian family that had been assigned to us for sponsorship, it was with a lot of excitement but also a great amount of fear. Who would these people be? Would I be able to relate to and befriend a Muslim family? Would our language and cultural differences stand in the way of us being able to help them resettle in Canada?

But as soon as we met Adam, Amal, Loay, and Lama, my fears were put at ease. Although language was a barrier, they quickly overcame it. We used Google Translate for the first month and then no longer needed it. They were eager to see our country and learn our culture. We were eager to learn about their story, their culture, and eat their delicious Syrian food.

Amal and I quickly grew a close connection. I was amazed at how quickly our friendship grew. We often went grocery shopping together and she would come with me to visit my parents and sisters. More and more Amal and her family grew to be part of our family. She now calls our parents Mom and Dad, and her kids call them Opa and Oma. They are truly like family to us, partaking in all our family traditions and gatherings.

Never could I have imagined I would have a Middle Eastern sister, but God has an unexpected but amazing way of putting families together. What a blessing it is.

Want to learn more about this story? Read Amal & Adam’s story

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We believe there is a clear biblical mandate to care for people on the move, including those who are involuntarily or forcibly displaced from their homes and are seeking refuge. Will you join us?