Anglican Community Ministries

Afghan couple celebrates one year in Canada with thanks to friends

Wahida Azizi and Tajuddin Farzam at a museum.
Wahida Azizi and Tajuddin Farzam celebrated the first anniversary of their arrival in Canada. Photo: Contributed
By Perspective
Photography: 
Leigh Anne Williams

In the December 2023 issue of Perspective, Wahida Azizi and Tajjudin Farzam shared the story of their escape from Afghanistan and how the Anglican Diocese of Ottawa Refugee Ministry Office and the parish of St. John the Evangelist in Ottawa helped them to safety and a new life in Canada.

In July, they wrote this message of thanks to the Refugee Assistance Group at St. John the Evangelist in Ottawa and kindly gave Perspective permission to share their good news update:

“Today is the first anniversary of our arrival in Canada, and we are absolutely thrilled.

It has been a year since we found safety and security in a new home, with all the life essentials we could have hoped for. We now have fulfilling jobs that allow us to give back to our community, and we are overjoyed to have welcomed our twins into this new life.

This incredible journey did not happen overnight. It is the culmination of two years of tireless effort by our amazing sponsorship team, who truly appeared like a miracle in our lives.

We remember every act of kindness, every bit of support—both material and spiritual—that you have shown us. These memories will stay with us for the rest of our lives. Words cannot fully express our gratitude, but from the bottom of our hearts, we say thank you for everything you have done for us. We deeply wish for your friendship and relationship to continue with us into the future.”

Warm regards,

Wahida & Farzam

Related reading:

Clergy reflection: Remembering refugees with Saint Bernard de Clairvaux

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