Can you help with moving furniture to the sisters' new apartment on December 26 at 9.30 a.m.? Furniture needs to be moved from the church basement to Glen Echo - Neil is leading this and has a truck available. It shouldn't take long and some extra hands will be very welcome. Thank you!

Thank you to everyone who has made C&C’s arrival such a positive experience for them. To the Day Captains who are introducing them to the city, helping them get to appointments and check out apartments (and turning on a dime when necessary), to the superb dentist who took out Charlene’s wisdom tooth (with one more to come), to the Board of Missions and Refugee Sponsorship Committee who have welcomed them so warmly, to the ministry team that has honoured them at our services, to the many unknown people whether clerks in shops or at government offices who have been so gracious and friendly in their interactions with them, for the gifts of clothes, watches, concert tickets, Starbucks and Shoppers cards – it has been an amazing time, and it hasn’t even been a week yet! 

John Kershaw kindly forwarded this link from the Globe - see the 4th picture
Canadian military flight brings Canada's first planeload of Syrian refugees to Toronto - The Globe and Mail

Please see Peter's blog below - if you are on Facebook please go to Peter Holmes' facebook page and you will see pictures of C&C's arrival last night

 http://peter.yorkminsterpark.com

Charlene and Chancella arrived safely this evening coming through Customs and Immigration with no problems, albeit a long wait. Thanks to everyone who came out to the airport and waited so patiently, making C&C feel so welcome and loved, and helping with luggage. A special day with much thanksgiving.

Well, this is the day to welcome Charlene and Chancella as well as the first group of Syrian refugees. Do watch this welcome video (conflict of interest - made by World Vision Canada).
No news yet of C&C - hope they re in Istanbul airport awaiting their connecting flight.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mINeZ28wC0I&feature=youtu.be

We are overwhelmed with clothes being dropped at our house - great to feel the love, but no more please!

Clothes Drive - Many thanks to all those who brought clothes to the church on Sunday. The main item still needed is coats - size Ladies Small (sorry, no other size). If you can provide, please bring to 637 Merton by tomorrow (Wednesday) evening.  Failing that we'll be shopping with the sisters on Friday!

Charlene and Chancella are on their way to Accra where they will stay at the Hilltop Hotel and attend an orientation course. On Wednesday after the course they will head to the airport for their flight to Istanbul and then Toronto.

A good article on the benefits refugees bring
http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/joe-schlesinger-syrian-refugees-history-1.3346106

As we prepare for the sisters' arrival our greatest need is for temporary accommodation for them, starting December 10 - a basement apartment or a spare bedroom or two, preferably in a central location with good access to the TTC. This would just be for a short period while they look for more permanent accommodation. If you can help with this need - whether directly or by asking a friend - please let me know.

Notice of arrival for: Charlene and Chancella, Thursday December 10, 2015 at 6:15pm, Flight TK017 Istanbul / Toronto
This was the subject heading of an email I received a few minutes ago. Praise the Lord!