An update on our Eritrean friends
July 2025
It’s hard to believe that almost a year has passed since a few of us were waiting at Pearson Airport to finally meet and welcome Fitit and her family. From the first meeting with one of her brothers to being able to greet Fitit in person has taken almost 4 years. Much has happened over the year. The family has settled in well; the boys have finished their first year of school in Canada; the father has found full-time work; Fitit is enjoying being at home with her baby daughter, and they have learned to like pizza. Fitit has also been taking some English classes.
Now it is time to prepare for Month 13. Our official ties with the family will be finished, and they will now be “on their own”. However, with the assistance of her many brothers here in Canada, there will be a good level of support for them. They are ready for this. However, in working together and meeting with them, they have very much made their ways into our hearts, and for that, we are only grateful!
Work on the second application for an aunt, uncle and five children, two boys and three girls, is proceeding well. The oldest daughter is now married and is being sponsored by her husband’s family. They hope to arrive in Canada within the next few months. The father and a son are in Port Sudan where they are allowed to work, and do so as a water tanker truck driver. This area is relatively safe, and their work allows them to support themselves and the rest of their family in Kampala. We are hoping to submit this application within the next few months.
Spring 2025
Ruth and I went to Kitchener bringing lots of pizza hoping that our Eritrean friends would then not see the need to create their own meal for us. While the boys, and the mother, certainly enjoyed the pizza, they had still cooked an Eritrean meal for us to enjoy. Ruth learned how to use injera bread to eat the meal while Mary still relied on cutlery. Either way, the meal was good!
We were also treated to their traditional coffee, and were able to watch it being made.
All is going well. The boys are doing well in school; they are becoming quite proficient in English. Keba, the little baby girl, is healthy and is much-loved by all. Her uncle, Mulue, proudly showed her off when we arrived. Her oldest brother held her and doted on her.
Indeed, the visit reminded me of Psalm 133, where the psalmist declares that it is good and pleasant when God’s people live together in unity. It is a beautiful blessing when we can come together in Christian love instead of being separated by culture or race!
Work on the many documents for our second family is progressing slowly. It is my hope that the application can be submitted in a few months. 75% ($45,554.70) of the needed funds will need to be in the account when this happens. If you would like to support this family financially, please consider making a donation. As always, please keep this family and the countless other refugees in your prayers.
~Mary Blydorp
This is how it all started! Click here!