From Syria to Gander: New arrivals 'feel very welcome,' settling in to new home

A Syrian family settling into Gander is touched by the warm reception they've received after fleeing civil war and strife in their homeland.

• Doctor touched by 'breathtaking' Gander arrival of Syrian refugees

Father Samer Maymouna, mother Iman El-Halawany, 13-year-old daughter Wiaam Maymouna and five-year-old son Abed El-Rahmanhave been in Gander just a few days but, speaking through interpreter Vicky Habib, said theyalready feel like part of the community.

It was a very overwhelming feeling.- Wiaam Maymouna

El-Halawanysaid that despite having just arrived, she already feels like she's known everyone a very long time.

"I feel very welcome," she said.

El-Halawany said in Syria, the family wassharing a house with seven other families, and are much more comfortable in Gander.

"Everything is beautiful," she said.

DaughterWiaamMaymounasaid she wasn't expecting the warm welcome they received.

"It was a very overwhelming feeling," she said.

The family didn't know much about Gander or Newfoundland, saidSamerMaymouna, but have learned a lot since their arrival.

"We learned it's an island, with a lot of snow," he said.

That snow will provide a new experience for the family in winter, something he's never experienced and prompting an activity he's never done before.

"I'm expecting to be shovelling I'm ready."

Two children left behind

But not all of the family members were able to make the trip to Newfoundland.

Another son was killed in the war, while another daughter was shot in the head and taken to Lebanon for medical treatment.

She's recovering there with her one-month-old son, and the family is hopingto eventually be reunited in Gander.

However, El-Halawany said she's grateful for the better opportunities available for their children in Canada.

"They never had the opportunity to be educated the way they will in Gander," she said.