Newcomers set to enjoy first Christmas in Canada
Christmas has always been a celebration of faith for Andre Mafusi and Annette Hangi.
But for the first time — this month in Medicine Hat — it will also become a holiday of peace and joy for their family.
The Christian pastor, his wife and four boys, all under the age of seven, arrived in Alberta in July.
That was after five years spent in a refugee settlement camp in Namibia after they fled violence and strife in their homeland, the Democratic Republic of Congo.
This is not only their first Christmas in North America, but first ever without fear or physical want.
“The religion is free,” said Andre, speaking about Christmas in camps during a break at English language lessons at Saamis Immigration Services earlier this month.
“We would share with friends and eat together at Christmas, but the life of a camp is very difficult. You can’t enjoy everyday life... We prayed, and thanked God in meditation, but you could not enjoy life because of the camp, because you are not free.”
They are among 90 individuals who arrived in Medicine Hat in 2017 as refugees, according to Saamis Immigration. In total, 191 newcomers have settled in the city this year.
The group works with them to help acclimatize the refugees to life not only in Canada, but life beyond their home countries and backgrounds, which can include war, poverty and persecution.
In comparison, said community co-ordinator Mary Tulip, coping with sub-zero temperatures or learning the Canadian customs of Christmas is a relatively easy adjustment, even for non-Christian families.
But living in a new land, with new customs, and a suddenly safe, secure environment can be a large, unsettling adjustment.
“It’s a very big change because suddenly there are structure and rules (in Canada) and they can be completely opposite to where they’ve come from,” said Tulip. “Imagine trying to learn new language, a new culture and not even really be able do something simple like go to grocery store and be comfortable.”
Mafusi and Hangi’s homeland, the Democratic Republic of Congo, is the scene of the longest, deadliest conflict on Earth since the Second World War. The death toll is estimated at five million, and since independence, nine foreign armies and dozens of rebel groups have taken part in armed conflict.
Winter, said Mafusi, “is a shock, but not impossible.”
They have joined the Victory Life Church in Medicine Hat where they enjoy community and fellowship, and they are planning to make Dec. 25 a special day for their four “very excited” children.
“Everything is special,” said Mafusi. “We put everything to the hand of God, and because of this every day is a special day. I wake up every day and say ‘Thank you, God, for this life.’”
Their native language is French but they are immersed in English language classes while their sons attend school.
Tulip, who said parents tend to become more at ease as they see their children settle and begin to thrive.
“All parents share the motivation of having a better life for their kids,” said Tulip.
“The majority of families are super cool with the concept of Christmas, even if they are not Christian ... the concept of giving and charity is alive in every religion. They appreciate that part. Everyone loves presents, and all kids love Santa regardless of whether they understand the whole idea.
“In school they learn about the Easter Bunny and other holidays, this is one of many magical holidays in Canada.”