Our time in jail had ended at the time my family and I were allowed to leave the Emirates Humanitarian City towards the airport. It was an exciting moment for me and my family, especially for my wife and children who had never been able to visit a public park, family, or friends, or stroll freely outside of a jail-like setting throughout their one-year incarceration.
Our Christian sisters and brothers at Grace Mission University, Tapestry Church Los Angeles, and Koinonia Education provided us with emotional and financial support throughout our one-year stay in Emirates Humanitarian City. Even though the situation was depressing and intolerable, we had an army of God praying for our freedom and protection. Actually, during that period, we made this journey together.
We arrived at Vancouver International Airport on September 29th, 2021, and were welcomed by a group there, meanwhile, the Border Police issued us Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR), which caused my wife, who was unsure if she was in Canada, to grin a little.
The airport experience was no different from what we had to suffer in Abu Dhabi. My younger kid was shouting continually and was so exhausted that he wanted to leave the airport. Finally, two women led us outside so that we could board a bus. We were driven to a hotel supported by the Canadian government close to the airport.
We were told to be ready for another flight to Toronto after two nights in Vancouver. Our four-hour flight eventually brought us to Toronto. In Toronto, the authorities sent us to another temporary location in a hotel close to Pearson International Airport. I had anticipated staying there for no more than a week, but we actually remained for two months and six days. We went hungry because they were serving us really unhealthy food, and the room was cramped because there were only two single beds in it for a family of four.
We were fortunate to connect with a Presbyterian Church in Malton, Mississauga during the first week of our stay in Toronto thanks to Tapestry LA. We have been treated so kindly and warmly by the pastors, elders, deacons, and members of the church. While receiving transportation to and from the church from churchgoers, we have been attending Sunday services there. We occasionally receive invitations to our fellow church members’ houses. Even so, we feel a sense of inclusion within the congregation despite certain cultural differences. Right now, we’re staying somewhere different than the first hotel. Although the situation is not ideal in terms of food and lodging, we are putting up with it. Despite the fact that we are having a lot of difficulties during Canada’s housing crisis, the authorities have asked us to locate permanent accommodation.
Please do not forget us in your prayers!
Yours In Christ,
Majeed
