The family is heavily involved in ESL and they are doing well. Andrew Woodbury, known to many on our congregation, is is our main teacher. He is an ESL specialist and has recruited some of his colleagues to help. We are grateful to Andrew for his enthusiastic acceptance of our invitation to volunteer. A neighbour of Glenview, Nahla Ghoneim, an engineer from Egypt, responded to news on our website and volunteered to help in any way she can. She has joined the ESL roster. She speaks Arabic, of course, and has great teaching skills. Our volunteer teachers offer two to three sessions each week. Nabil and Rawaa continue to attend classes twice per week. They still have a long way to go but it has been much better since we started these private lessons.
Rawaa had her 27th birthday a few days ago. Tim S. was able to go to the apartment with a card and to wish her Happy Birthday.
The family attended Pancake Tuesday at the church. They are still getting used to Canadian food! The adults ate pancakes and halal sausages, as did Yaman but Yamen is very fussy! The family also attended Out of the Cold on Sunday, March 5. Nabil and the boys had fun setting the tables with placemats and cutlery. We're grateful Andrew and Nayla were also able to come to the pancake supper.
Nabil is very proud of his new glasses. The doctor at the Women's College Hospital Refugee Clinic recommended an eye exam. Nabil's last exam was seven years ago and he has had difficulty for some time. Eyecare is another benefit of the federal government's refugee resettlement program.
As always, thanks to everyone for ongoing contributions. We continue to be able to provide support for the Orabis from within the circle of Glenview and the University Women's Club, and our neighbourhood.
Please accept the Orabi family’s gracious invitation to a reception in their home on March 30th, 7 to 9 pm. For details and to RSVP by March 26th contact Dan Melhem at dmelhem [at] rogers.com or leave a message for Dan at the church office (416-488-1156).
Rawaa and Nahla tackle the English language
Nabil's New Glasses