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10- PORT PERRY STAR - Tuesday, January 23, 1996 "Scugog"s Community Newspaper of Choice" Hope Church welcomes Kurdish family to Scugog By Jeff Mitchell Port Perty Star It's been a long journey for Scugog's newest family. More than two years after efforts to help them come to this country began, Souline Baker and her five children were greeted this past Thursday night (Jan.18) by their benefactors at Hope Christian Reform Church. The Kurdish family have come to Canada by way of Iran as they fled the murderous regime of Saddam Hussein in their homeland of Iraq. Along the way Souline and her children have become sep- arated once again from hus- band and father Ali, who has become a victim of harsh bureaucracy in Iran. He remains in that country as his family begins to make the huge transition to their new home here. The congregation at Hope CRC was made aware of the Baker family's plight a little over a year ago, and made the decision to become involved, said Rob Bouwma, a deacon with the church. He said an international Baptist organi- zation first sponsored the fam- ily's refugee claim, then allowed Hope CRC to step in. As the local church leaders acquainted themselves with the family's history, a bleak picture emerged: As Kurds, they are among a disenfran- chised and persecuted society within Iraq. Ali, it seems, had been taken from his family and pressed into service as a soldier with the Iraqi army during the long Iran-Iraq war of the 1980's, and spent eight years away from them. The family fled Iraq and entered neighboring Iran, where they were reunited with Ali three years ago. Since then they have continued their attempts to come to Canada. Lesson in red tape Mr. Bouwma said the local church's involvement in attempts to bring the family here has been a lesson in red tape, national animosities, and patience. "For anybody involved in this to any degree, it was a true eye-opener," he said of the wrangling it took to put arrangements for the refugees in place. While negotiations with Iran continued, church members were busy here at home, find- ing furniture and other house- keeping items for the family. And finally, just before Christmas, word of their impending arrival came. After that, bad news: Iranian officials were declaring that all was not in order, and Ali would be held there. It was a tragic setback, but plans that had been worked on for so long had to be followed through. "That last week was com- pletely up and down," said Mr.. Bouwma. "It was a real lesson in corrupt government." Anticipation grew as the date for the Kurdish family's arrival in Toronto neared, said Mr. Bouwma: "It was like open- ing a Christmas present," he said. "You have no idea what to expect." Finally came the meeting "with Souline and her children: Hussein, 17, Helen, 14, Hasan, 13, Ratha, 8, and little Huda, 2. It was at that point Mr. Bouwma and the other church members realized they had been right in their tireless pur- suit of freedom for the family. "When you have these people in front of you and you start dealing with them, you realize they are no different from you," he said. "We are all the same." The family has been set up in an apartment in Port Perry, and will continue to need sup- port as they adjust to life in Canada. Anyone who would like to help with a donation can deposit it in Hope CRC's sponsorship fund at the Royal Bank in Port Perry. ser Wedding Planney <= Fresh ideas for decorating with flowers (AFMC)--Long after the wedding, a bride and groom may want to extend the beauty of their wedding into their new home. One way to do this is to accessories with flowers. And with the various floral designs available, the options are endless. Your florist can help you bring the outdoors inside, fill a space or brighten a dark corner with flowers. They are pretty pick-me-ups for every room of your new home. Here are some ideas: Bring the outdoors in. Ask your florist to mix flowers with seasonal vegetation such as grasses or branches. To keep with the natural look, use a clay pot or a woven basket as the container. Add color. Display stems of vibrant tropical flowers. Or, fill a simple, clear vase with masses of just one color and type of flower. ) Fill a space. Try tall, full-blooming shrub or tree branches placed in an urn on a pedestal with lots of flowing greens. 235 QUEEN STREET, PORT PERRY Winter Bridal Sale Warm a room. Use a single color for impact: create a bouquet of red-, yellow- or peach-colored flowers loosely arranged in a bubble bowl. Make a space more inviting. Your florist can create a mixed flower arrangement featuring delicate details that invite the discovery of all its components. Here are some specific ideas for decorating every room in your home: Dining room table. Flowers and arrangements should complement the decor and = mood--use containers of crystal, silver or porcelain. For easy elegance, set a series of alternating crystal vases and crystal candles on a fabric runner. Place fresh flowers in ones, twos or threes surrounded by greenery in each of the vases. Living + room. Use flowers to accessorize your home-decorating style. For example, you can create drama with a Chinese vase, filled with tall, linear flowers, that sits on the firéplace COONS oa \ 2 > * S-- A ar) A cide vatciety of gift ideas for the bride £ groom. .. Handmade Quilts Picture Frames Glassware' Gifts out of the ordinary Gift Certificates available hearth or an elegant cascading arrangement in a low bowl to adorn a coffee table. Guest Bedroom. Welcome your guest with a bright addition. Hide a bud vase with a simple cluster of flowers in the center of a clear bubble bowl filled with potpourri. Entrance/ hall foyer. Make a first impression with a large, abundant arrangement. Or, create a focal point with a piece of artwork on a pedestal draped with a garland of flowers. For a friendly look, place a basket with a garden bouquet on the: entry table. Personal treasure. For a really personal touch, why not take your favorite vase, treasured antique bowl or silver pitcher to your florist for a custom-made arrangement? He or she can © create an arrangement to complement any container or decor. Seeing your personal treasure spring to life with flowers will uplift your home and spirits, too! Sor VY League i| SPRING '96 Arriving Daily 229 Queen St, Port Perry, 985-347 'S CATERING Ne AAO Os A Cl L,hLLELK RE RN Se a Re Se Book Now for large {I small parties, family get-togethers. Palin filled baloons for gout celebration Charm & Elegance Come in and see our wide selection of fresh and silk floral bouquets, . headpicces. Fully catered or drop-off services. jewelery, SR. We also cater to Weddings and Banquets. shoes, invitations | Gifts of Distinction Dish Rental available from 10 to 200. Call Judy at 985-1823 and tuxedos. 985-8208 261 Queen Street, Port Perry, 985-9463 Loc led across fr on 23:9 0,