ALL OF THIS IS FOR THEM: THE FAMILY. LISTEN TO WHAT THEY WANT AND NEED AND HELP WHENEVER YOU CAN. THEY ARE TRYING TO BUILD A LIFE HERE. YOU CAN STAND TO LOOK AND COMMENT HOW TERRIBLE THE WHOLE SITUATION IS, OR YOU CAN DO SOMETHING.
ANNA
Ireland
I met my community sponsorship group one morning with the kids, where we were just all hanging out, adults and children. Honestly, I went on the first date thinking I wasn't really going to get involved. But the moment you hear about community sponsorship, that's it! You are already involved with the heart.
Once the group is created, we all contribute. No matter how much time you have, you put all the energy you need. That's how we split everything: who could do what? Networking is important. You have your small community group that is managing the project, but you also have your entire community that can help.
“I WANT TO CHALLENGE EVERYONE OTHER PEOPLE TO GET INVOLVED, PASS THE MESSAGE!”
The reward of welcoming the family was so beautiful, it was magical. We all took our kids to the airport. We had signs in Arabic saying “Welcome to Ireland”. As soon as they appeared, they immediately hugged us all and shook hands, they were extremely warm. It was an immediate call.
You don't need to be special or have special skills. Whatever needs to be done, can be done!
The family is integrating very well, they have a beautiful house and the children are well adapted to school.
Community Sponsorship has arms and legs that extend far beyond the local community and has a very positive effect. I can barely describe its impact; it brought such a positive vibe to our own community, but it also had a wider reach as other parishes listened and asked how they could replicate what we did. It is not possible to measure the impact as there are so many positive aspects; brings people together by providing an avenue to express kindness, show love, and provide support.