Heart to Heart: One Year On // Family

6/27/2022 - From J

Illustration by: Amy Ong

I am in the Zoom waiting room, waiting in anticipation. 

As soon as I get on the call, a familiar face greets me.

”Ah-laan-wah-salan, Sister!”

It was Dr. D - the same Dr. D whom I had interviewed for World Refugee Week 2021. 

But somehow, this time, his countenance was different. 

Something had changed, and we both knew what the reason was. 

Dr. D would be reunited with his family in one week after being separated for almost three years. I had so many questions for Dr. D - and I couldn't wait to catch up with him.

One year ago 

Caption: Photo from Dr D’s interview during Habibi’s World Refugee Week “Heart to Heart” series 2021

"He is a father separated by borders who may be as present, if not more, than a father who lives in the same household as his children…" was what I wrote about Dr. D in my notebook, after my zoom interview with him in May of 2021. 

His story had impacted me significantly. 

Dr. D is from Damascus, Syria. 

Before the war, he was a dentist and a master of the Irani language. His dream is to open a children's home named Al Juhdur - it means "roots" in Arabic.

In 2011, he left Syria with his family to escape the Syrian Civil War. It was a treacherous journey riddled with obstacles, but they eventually made their way to safety in Jordan. 

However, to find a better life for his sons, Dr. D went ahead of his family to seek asylum in a third country but ended up being stuck in Asia due to immigration laws.

Yet, in all the uncertainty, his devotion to his family is the one thing that has remained constant. 

His daily video calls to his sons, despite the distance, revealed the kind of father he was - present, intentional, and loving. 

I could go on forever, but you can hear his story from 2021 here.

Now back to the present.

Present 

I kick-started our conversation by asking Dr. D how he has been since we met precisely 365 days ago.

"Sister, you asked me the same question last year. But my answer now will be different. 

Today, I have seen my desires and hopes turned into reality. Last year, I mentioned I like helping people, and since then, I actually got to help people.

6 months ago, I was walking on the streets (when) I saw a homeless man. I approached him and asked him if he needed help, and he was so happy. I was happy that he accepted my help.

When I give help, it gives people hope and happiness. I feel happiness and a sense of accomplishment." 

Though Dr. D has a job in a refugee center, his full-time job is helping people.

In Syria, Dr. D was well-loved by many in his village - young and old. Reaching out to orphans who had lost their parents to war to be the surrogate father for them, believing that every child should grow up with parents. 

Where he is in this season, Dr. D continues to show the same kindness to friends and strangers alike – despite being in a foreign land with different cultures.

Dr. D then continues his story by sharing how his family feels about the reunion.

"Today was their last day of school and the school prepared a farewell party for them with balloons and presents. 

My wife is feeling stressed, because she has many responsibilities, as she is leaving to another country. There are many procedures, going to UN Office, and Embassy for clearance. Tired but happy." 

For families wishing to leave, the process isn't as straightforward as stamping your passport and leaving the country.

It is a long, arduous one - filled with administrative requirements that can be tiring and daunting for refugees and asylum seekers who are not used to this process. 

And some also may not be literate enough to read through the fine print on the documents required to cross. 

In devastating cases, some refugees reach as far as the receiving country only to be turned away at borders due to minor missing paperwork. 

However, by the grace of God, Dr. D was not alone in this journey. He was supported by his communities, and they advised him and raised support to help make the trip for his family possible. 

To round off the interview, I popped the golden question, "What are you going to do when your family comes?" 

"When my family comes, I will prepare something special for them. A small party. 

Balloons and flowers to give to them. I hope I can carry them.

I will prepare a camera for videos and pictures. 

My 2 sons love McDonald's so much. I am going to buy Macdonald's and they like chicken." 

God’s Habibi

As I share the joy of Dr. D's reunion with his family, I think about the reunions that have not happened or have yet to happen for thousands of displaced families worldwide. 

It is very heartbreaking news -  and there are days that I wrestle with questions and sadness about how this is a reality for many around the world. 

However, when I hear of wins and success stories as we get in Dr. D's story, I have this glimmering hope that God is working in each of their stories - in the seen and unseen, known and the unknown.

Until then, we continue to do what we have always done - love and support them at every step of their journey.

Because they are God's beloved - Habibi. 

UPDATE: Since this interview, Dr. D has been happily reunited with his family.