M's Refugee Journey

Tenth provides housing and basic necessities of life for asylum seekers during their first few months in Canada [modeled after our ministry partner Journey Home Community].  One of the recent arrivals we are supporting shares the impact of this provision at a time when she felt extremely vulnerable.

Packing for a travel was not really as exciting as it used to be compared to my last short trips, as I was worried how much my life would change afterwards. The day I became sure that there was no life for me in my country, I decided to leave.

Leaving my family was the hardest decision I ever made. My goodbye with my parents was something I never thought about before. The hug from my old father was silently expressing his concern if he will ever be able to see and hug me again. I just could apologise to my mom with shaking voice and eyes full of tears. If I ever hurt her, I'm not sure if I will have the chance to say sorry to her again.

I left home and flew to the USA holding so much stress and concerns. Crossing the US border was not an easy thing to think of but I had no other choice. I spent 14 years of life as a refugee in one of the Asian countries. I have many bad memories when I had to sleep hungry for days. I had no good clothes to wear and no toys to play with. We were treated differently, with no access to health care or social support. These memories of my refugee duration was increasing my worries more when I was thinking to come to Canada. Furthermore, I heard much about shelters from friends in Canada and their experiences when they arrived as refugees. They had to go out and not to stay in the shelter during the daytime, as per the policy of shelters. They were supposed to stay at nights there only. They were put with different people with different behaviors.

The day I crossed the US-Canada border, by the help of a friend who lived in British Columbia and had contact with Journey Home and Tenth Church, I was able to move to a well-furnished house of one of the Church members. It was unbelievable for me. They provided with all the help and resources I needed, starting from buying grocery, clothes, refugee support guide, even taking care of my mental and social health.

As well as their warm welcome, they kept connecting me with other members from different backgrounds, ethnicities and religions. I am someone from a different religion and different culture, but each of the Journey Home members make sure to follow and respect my culture and accepts me for who I am and they are helping many of others refugees like me. I have learned from them that humanity has no language and no religion. The Journey Home and Tenth Church as well as providing me with my basic needs, they are treating me as a friend, by connecting me to other people and inviting me to their events and entertainment programs. I never thought of being supported this much. I want to thank Tenth Church and Journey Home for helping me and others like me during this hard journey. I would suggest to others like me, to ask these organizations for your easy transmission of your refugee journey.

-M

Want to get involved in what Tenth is doing? Email us.