— Sudanese refugees sponsored to Osoyoos —
(OSOYOOS TIMES — Jan. 3, 2007) —
The seven members of the Nyarza family had much to be happy about as they arrived in Osoyoos from Nairobi, Kenya by way of Vancouver and Kelowna, just in time to celebrate New Year's Eve in Canada.
Although the climate was cold, the welcome was warm for the seven Sudanese orphans, rescued from a life of violence and persecution in a refugee camp in Kenya.
On December 31, the Nyarzas landed at Kelowna Airport where a bus, arranged by Pastor Phil Johnson of the Osoyoos Baptist Church, was waiting to transport them to Osoyoos and to the home of Sue and John Cooper.
Thanks largely to the efforts of the Coopers' daughter, Elizabeth, who met the Nyarzas while researching opportunities for the youth at the refugee camp, the family is beginning a new life in Canada.
We are very happy to be here, says 24-year-old Peter John, whose siblings were also beaming bright smiles.
Walking “ and slipping “ in the snow, Peter John says it felt nice.
I had never seen or touched snow before. I couldn't imagine what it looked like, smelled like, tasted like.
The Nyarzas spent New Year's Day exploring a white winterland at the Cooper home. The snow was just the first of many new experiences for the family, who attended a hastily-arranged special service January 1 at the Baptist Church, with a congregation of 30 to 40 people to welcome them.
Anyone wishing to help out can make a donation to the Nyarza Family Fund, through the Osoyoos Credit Union or the Osoyoos Baptist Church.
