The members of the Albetar family from Syria are happy to be in Summerland and have been adapting to a new life in a new country, but the adjustments have been difficult.
The refugee family members have had to leave family and friends to move to a place where the customs, cultures and language are unfamiliar.
The family arrived in late March and since that time, the members have been working to develop fluency in English, but the language remains a challenge.
Without strong communication skills, even the simple everyday interactions can become difficult.
The Summerland United Church has sponsored the family and is covering their expenses for a one-year period and a translator in Summerland is helping with many of the family’s communication needs.
The family members are also working to learn the languages and skills they will need for their lives in Canada.
It is important to remember that the transition process will take much longer than one year.
Any international move involves significant adjustments.
Adding linguistic challenges makes the process more complex.
At this time, it is important for the community to show patience and understanding to the members of this family as they continue to adjust to their new life in Canada.
While the details of their experiences may differ from our family stories, many Summerlanders have their own accounts of parents, grandparents or earlier generations who have come to Canada in earlier years. Some in this community can remember their own experiences of moving to Canada from another country. The transitions involved in such a move are never easy.
Support from the community will help to ease some of the difficulties and challenges the Albetar family is facing.