THE LONG JOURNEY TO KITCHENER...

I was terrified. When the corrupt government of my home country tried to kill my husband and 4-year-old daughter, we had no choice but to escape – I was afraid for my life. We chose Canada because we had heard that they would help. We had no plan, no connections, and very little money.

With just $90 in our pocket we arrived in Toronto. Fearing that authorities in our homeland could track our itinerary to Toronto we decided we'd be safest outside the city. We left for the bus station and took the first bus – that bus took us to KItchener.

We got off the bus and my little girl was very tired and thirsty; but we didn't know English. We tried our best to explain to the store clerk that we wanted to buy some juice. Thankfully, a stranger overheard our conversation. And miraculously, this stranger knew our language. For the first time in days we saw hope – maybe everything would be alright.

Our new friend helped us buy some juice and also found us a safe place for the night. The next morning she brought us to MCRS. The people there cared for us and helped us begin the very difficult journey of rebuilding our lives.