As with many refugees fleeing war-torn Syria, it’s been a long journey for Mohammad Ali, Mnal Noralden and their two daughters to their new homeland.
“Because of the incidents that took place in Syria, we lost almost everything and so we had to leave,” said translator Issam Khoury for the family.
The four fled their home in Damascus and spent nearly three years in Jordan. Their daughter, Merna, was born there, and it will make up some of their other daughter Masa's earliest memories.
The family arrived in Halifax in mid-January, some of the more than 620 government-sponsored refugees who are now settled in Nova Scotia.
“Honestly we wanted to come to Canada so that we can start our life anew, and for the future of my children,” said Khoury.
Ali was a barber in Damascus. The 31-year-old hopes to go to university once he's fully fluent in English.
“I'd like to have some value for myself in society,” said Khoury.
Noralden doesn't speak English yet, but says it's her top priority to learn.
“We'll help (our children) to study and they'll gain a better life,” said Khoury for Noralden.
Mnal's parents are still in Syria. They are in contact, but she hasn't seen them in three years. She's hoping to find a way to bring them here.
Still, the family is thankful to be in Nova Scotia, filled with hope for the future, for themselves, and for their homeland.
“We felt secure here, especially psychologically we are all right. And we consider Canada our second country."
Will files from CTV Atlantic’s Sarah Ritchie
