Recently we welcomed another member of Mambo’s family: his adopted daughter, Neema Grace. He waited for her for seven long years and her sponsorship was successful because St. Clement’s, under the overall REST umbrella and the Diocese of New Westminster as a SAH (Sponsorship Agreement Holder), agreed to be co-sponsors. Neema’s mother (who is Mambo’s youngest sister) remains in a refugee camp on the Ugandan border.
Meeting new arrivals at Vancouver Airport is always a highlight for me - there were about 25 family and friends gathered at the Arrivals terminal with flowers and balloons. When Neema was spotted, a great cheer went up, especially as she was accompanied by two of her cousins. These young men were sponsored by the Mennonite Central Committee and a family member of Mambo. My husband Dave and I rather stuck out due to our milky-white complexion but Neema was just like a long-awaited daughter, finally falling into the loving embrace of family.
Many, many thanks to the people of St. Clement’s or your ongoing, generous support of happy occasions, just like these.
And many thanks to all who minister to those who have travelled to Canada for a better life and a brighter future.