Step 6 Arrive in Saskatoon - 2,210 km
Romans 15:7: Welcome one another, therefore as Christ has welcomed you, for the Glory of God.
REFLECTION: The Apostle Paul wrote these words first to the ancient Romans, and now we are invited to hear Paul’s words spoken to us at this time and in this place:
Our second passage for reflection is the following story attributed to the Talmud, a collection of writings describing the civil and religious life of the ancient Jews.
In one story, a rabbi discusses with his students the meaning of night.
When, he asks them, can one know the night is ended and the day has begun?
Is it that moment, suggests one student, who you can tell the difference between a sheep and a dog?
No, says the rabbi, it isn’t that.
Is it, asks another, when you can see the difference between an olive tree and a fig tree?
Not that either, says the rabbi.
Rather, he says, it is the moment when you look at a face you have never seen before and recognize the stranger as a brother and sister.
Until that moment, he adds, however bright the day, it is still the night.
SILENCE:
God of love and hope, once again we pray for Nadia, Ibrahim and Rahma, and for their reunion with their family. May we all see one another as brothers and sisters and welcome each other as you would welcome us. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
The Albed/Alhamad/Wahid Story
Refugees can be government sponsored or privately sponsored. The advantage of government sponsorship is that the all the first year costs are covered by the federal government. Supportive services are provided by agencies such as Saskatoon Open Door Society and Global Gathering Place.
Private sponsors and community settlement groups such as Nest, work with sponsorship agreement holders, Canadian Lutheran World Relief or the Anglican Diocese, to commit to covering the first year settlement costs. The private sponsors and Nest also agree to invest their time and energy into helping refugees integrate into their new community.
Settlement functions include:
One-Time Startup Costs - clothing\furniture, household effects, school fees and supplies, food staples, hook-up costs
Monthly Expenditure - Shelter (including rent, electricity, utilities, etc.), Food, Phone and internet, Transportation, Pocket money and allowances
Settlement Assistance:
● Meet refugees at the airport and provide transportation to the final destination
● Arrange transportation for the refugees to and from appointments and activities
● Arrange for interpreter services (if applicable)
● Apply for provincial health plan and interim Federal Health (IFH) Program (if applicable)
● Apply for Social Insurance Number (SIN), Canada Child Benefit (if applicable), other necessary federal/provincial programs
● Assist refugees in finding a family physician and dentist, and to see a health care worker shortly after arrival
● Provide orientation (financial and non-financial, e.g. public transportation, banking, shopping, rights and responsibilities
● Provide Assistance in linking refugees with community activities/groups
● Enroll children in school (if applicable)
● Make child care arrangements (if applicable)
● Enroll adults in language training (if applicable)
● Provide assistance in finding employment or accessing support services to find employment