The events in Syria-- and our country's recent back-and-forth Muslim ban-- are absoluting devastating. I have spoken with so many people here in the U.S. who feel powerless to help Syrian families, but there is a wonderful, very personal way to do so. I recently leared that nearly 1,000 Syrian refugees were given asylum here in San Diego in the last year, which is where we come in: Right here in our own town, we can help the families whose lives have been upturned by a horrific war.

My family (my husband, Phill, and our daughter, Margaret) and I live in South Carlsbad, and we have partnered with our neighbors, Sarah + Chris Ricciardi, to work with the organization Hearts4Refugees.
When refugees finally arrive in America after an extensive 2-year vetting process, they are brought in by a resettlement agency such as the IRC or Alliance for African Assistance; but these services only last for 1-3 months. Hearts4Refugees provides support to Syrian families after this time by providing donations of clothes, basic necessities, and furniture; providing rental assistance; partnering with English language classes and tutoring services; providing translation and transportation services; and matching them with families like ours, where we further help them establish a new life here in America and-- perhaps most importantly-- become their friends and help them create a strong social network in their new home.

Through this process, the Ricciardis and we were matched with the most amazing family, the Obaids:
Ahmed (father)
Hanaa (mother)
Naifa (grandmother, Ahmed's mother)
Ziad (9)
Zina (turning 7-- can't wait to celebrate with her!)
Amro (6)

Words cannot express how honored we are to have them in our lives; after all they have seen and endured, and after coming to a country where they are not sure they are welcome, the Obaids demonstrate nothing but love, warmth, and eagerness for their new life here in San Diego. In the week since we first met them, we've visited with the familiy multiple times, and they are quickly becoming some of the most important people in our lives. They always greet us with generous traditional Syrian meals and a present for our daughter. We have already laughed, cried, ate, and even danced together. Their willingness to open their hearts to us is truly humbling, and I personally want to do everything I can to make them feel welcomed, loved, and prosperous.

Through many generous donations, the Obaids are pretty settled into their new apartment. There are little things that we are still providing, but our main focus is getting them a used van.  Currently, Ahmed is looking for work as a baker/pastry chef-- and I can attest that his food is some of the best I have ever had! We have some really promising leads for employment, but better transportation would greatly increase practical work opportunities.  That coupled with many doctor appointments for the kids and Ahmed's mother plus English classes for Hanaa makes a car the most important focus, which is why we are asking for your help. All the money raised here will go to purchasing a vehicle, which Phill and I will purchase and then deliver to the Obaids. if we are lucky enough to have additional funding (or have a car donated!), all extra money will be spent on insurance, booster seats, and gas cards; I will get these items myself and bring them to the Obaids on one of my frequent visits. Your support will help this family greatly in their journey to becoming self-sufficient and rebuilding their lives here in San Diego. Shokran jazeelan (thank you so much), from the bottom of our hearts!

http://hearts4refugees.org