Dear Emmanuel:

I take my pen to squeeze a few words within the limited time I have; it is to express how meaningful you have been since my arrival in Canada that 10th of February of 1990.

It was you who first welcomed me and my family at the airport; at that point everything was new to me:

From the shocking -45C to the language,

From uncertainty to food, shelter, and a monthly cheque from the government,

From loneliness to the warmth of many of you such as the well remembered Ken McClymont, Katherine English, Bill and Wanda, and many others such as Rev. Bill Smith, Bob and Margaret, Eleanor, Jim and Myrna, Shirley, Larry and Frances, and others who showed us that there is more than snow in Canada.

When I look back on my journey, after surviving two experiences of prison and torture, and living behind my native land, my people, my family, the question of "What am I doing here?" still shakes my mind every now and then but there is no answer, no program to follow, no road map what I've figured is that I am writing this journey as I go along.

What I know for sure, is that every time I smile to a stranger, the world smiles at me,

Every time I stand up for my rights, there is less resistance from the oppressors,

Every time I extend my hand to you, this house feels warm and fearless.

I have come a long way, but here I am: a graduated Lay Minister looking for a chance to go back to university to become a minister; a father of three beautiful daughters, and one grandson; a happy husband.

Thank you Emmanuel,

If I cannot make it on Sunday for any reason, please call me even just to tell me that you miss me, that makes my day; that makes me believe that I am a part of the family.

I look forward to the day you come to my home for dinner, (hello is anybody listening?) don’t be afraid, you don't have to call, if there is not food, we can talk and learn more about each other, or we can cook together as we learn about each other.

Victor Fuentes and family