In 2016, I was part of a group sponsoring a family of refugees (难民).Marwa Ataya and Salem Ajaj had 1 their country with three kids. They 2 in our hometown of Victoria. That year, we drove them to doctor's appointments and 3 them find housing furnish their home and enroll (登记) their 4 in school. They opened a5 store.
Over time, we 6a friendship, celebrating our kids' birthdays together and chatting whenever we 7 at their store.
In March 2020, my family
traveled to Mexico. When we left Canada, North Americans weren't worried about
COVID-19. But the situation changed 8. We were still 9when the Canadian
Government's recommendation against travel was released. Upon 10, we decided to self-isolate (自我隔离），just to be safe. That 11 not leaving the house for 14 days—not even to
go to groceries.
Partway through our self-isolation I 12 a text from Marwa saying she was outside our house. I opened the door to seven big bags of groceries. Marwa was standing a 13 distance away. She'd brought my family necessaries. I was so 14knew she and her husband were busy at home. That they took the time to care for us was incredibly 15. I would have liked to give her a 16, but I couldn't.
Later, I 17 she'd also dropped off groceries for my parents. Given that they're in their 80s, this was a huge 18. I insisted on paying Marwa. She just refused.
I hope that people will remember how much refugees do for the 19. Canada is a kind and rich country because of the 20 of newcomers. I hope Canadians will step up and help them get to safety.
