Arriving in Hamilton in mid-December is not much fun for refugees. The cold weather is a big shock to the system. However, at last week’s welcome circle the warm hospitality inside the Vine seemed to help. TrueCity volunteers had the privilege of partnering with SISO to welcome 45 newly arrived government sponsored refugees from Burma, Eritrea, and Afghanistan. With the help of 3 translators we were able to let these newcomers know how glad we are that they have come to Hamilton.
It is so humbling to see the joy with which the simple welcome baskets are received. One family from Afghanistan took me aside and told me how happy they were to be here, and how these gifts were so special. The gifts are very small, but they convey a significant message- you are wanted here. After years of being on the move, and living in places where they are not wanted we cannot underestimate the value of that message.
