A little update for you about what REST has been doing lately. Not resting!
Our diocese has been very busy working with groups to submit applications for refugee sponsorship of people all over the world. In addition, we have received additional funding for this year to submit applications for Afghan people through a special government program called Operation Afghan Safety. REST has partnered up with a group at Christ Church Cathedral to provide funds for a delightful young woman named Shiba to bring her family of 9 people. They were in particular danger because her father worked as a driver for MSF and her sister was a journalist in Afghanistan. They have fled to Pakistan and are managing there. Shiba's youngest brother is 5 years old and she has promised she will take him to a playground when they arrive. He does not believe her, because he has never seen a playground! Shiba and her friends have pledged to do the settlement work, once her family arrives, but they may need some help. Their application will be submitted in August and processing for Afghans seems to be very speedy, so we may see them in the fall! When I have more details, I will send out a request.
We have just submitted the application for Mousa's mother and youngest siblings. Mousa is a young Palestinian man from Syria. His family is in a camp in Lebanon. Applications have now been submitted for his mother and his 7 siblings. This is a huge relief to everyone that they can have hope of leaving the camp one day. We expect processing to be quite slow, so please keep them in your prayers.
Honada is looking for a job. She worked at the Tour de Feast restaurant for 3 months and loved having a job. However, the work was really a strain on her body. She had to go off work with pain in her back and legs. She is now feeling stronger and hopes to find a job she can manage better. She has pleaded with me to find her a job :) Honada has earned her Responsible Adult Course, which allows her to work as a support person in a daycare setting. If anyone knows of a job like this, or something else that would suit Honada, please let me know.
Thank you for your ongoing support. Stay cool!
Shannon Muir
