Lifestyle

After years apart, refugee family finally settles in their new Saskatoon home


Rashid Ahmed and Virdah Rashid had been pressured to reside aside for years.

They married in 2018 however have been aside since then, save for a number of, uncommon journeys Rashid might make.

“I’m hoping and praying and praying that my spouse shall be right here quickly,” Rashid instructed World Information in Nov. 2020.

He can cease praying. On Wednesday, Virdah arrived in Saskatoon — her new house — with their new child.

Learn extra:
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“At first, I didn’t imagine it,” she mentioned, moments after stepping off the airplane.

“I imply, am I going to Canada, actually?

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Rashid and Virdah are Ahmadiya Muslims, a minority sect, and for greater than 15 years Virdah was a refugee in Iran, fleeing spiritual persecution in Pakistan.

She not too long ago returned to Pakistan as a result of they believed she’d have a greater probability of getting a Canadian visa from there.

Politics, prejudice and the pandemic stored them aside. It was troublesome and costly for Rashid go to Virdah even earlier than COVID-19 shut down journey. They spent hours on the cellphone each day speaking.

However Rashid discovered early this 12 months he would want to make one other journey.

Virdah was pregnant.

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Her visa had come by way of however she was so near delivering her child she couldn’t fly.

Rashid tried to make it to Pakistan for July 21, the anticipated due date.

“My flight was canceled for (July) 11 after which (it was) rescheduled it for the 15th,” he mentioned. “However once more it was cancelled.”

The child was early and he missed the start.

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“I used to be pondering, ‘Oh my God, I’m this time alone,’” she mentioned. “My dad and mom are usually not right here and my husband is just not right here, so it’s very unhealthy for me.”

Hospital workers referred to as Rashid throughout the supply with unhealthy information.

“It was a really distressing second as a result of docs are saying that Michelle’s heartbeat is just not working correctly. So, I used to be simply crying.”

However each Virdah and Michelle, their daughter, had been alright.

Rashid provides all of the credit score to Virdah

“She’s a courageous lady,” he mentioned, “and I’m very fortunate to have her in my life.”

Learn extra:
Afghan refugees settle in Saskatoon after Taliban takeover, look ahead to life in Canada

He mentioned holding his daughter for the primary time was some of the memorable days of his life.

I believe it was wonderful feeling, as a dad.” he mentioned. “I used to be tremendous excited.”

The household was lastly capable of make it to Canada after ready a number of months for Michelle’s paperwork. They landed in Toronto and travelled a number of days later to Saskatoon.

Virdah says she desires to return to high school and to journey round Canada. She mentioned she desires to go to Jasper and Banff.

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However above all, she and Rashid can’t wait to lastly begin their new life — collectively, with Michelle.

“Now I’m so comfortable,” Virdah mentioned. “Oh, thanks God, my desires got here true.


Click to play video: 'Afghan refugees settle in Saskatoon'







Afghan refugees settle in Saskatoon


Afghan refugees settle in Saskatoon




© 2021 World Information, a division of Corus Leisure Inc.





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