A nonprofit that works with refugees held a Christmas celebration at a church in Dallas this weekend. About 200 refugees from countries including Afghanistan, Cuba, Iran, and Iraq attended the event at St. John's Episcopal Church.
"These children come from families that cannot afford Christmas gifts," Gateway of Grace founder Samira Page said. "This is a great way of sharing the gift of the love of Christ during this Christmas season."
Gateway of Grace served a Christmas dinner with traditional foods and foods served in the refugees' native countries. Page came to the U.S. as a refugee from Iran 25 years ago and said events like this Christmas dinner and a Thanksgiving event last month can help newer refugees learn American customs.
"Some of these families have been coming here several years, now. This has become their tradition," she said. "It is just so beautiful they see this as their community."
"We come and share together to celebrate Christmas," a man who came to the United States from Burkina Faso said.
Families received and exchanged gifts with each other during the event. Volunteers dressed as elves served dinner and taught kids Christmas carols.
"We are trying to have a better life for our kids, a place where our kids can really, freely laugh and dance," a man who came from Iran said, adding events like this can help kids forget the trauma they have dealt with in their home country.
He said he came to the United States with his wife and kids, but they had to leave friends and extended family in Iran.
"We're looking for a better life, looking for some relief from all the pressure we suffered in our country," he said.
He was eating with several others from Iran. Another man at the table said Gateway of Grace has helped his family overcome trauma but also learn English and find jobs. He said an event celebrating Christmas, and last month's Thanksgiving dinner can also help them learn American customs.
"That helps us get closer to the culture," he said. "When we get more familiar with this situation, we can go on with our life, find our ways and use our talents to find possibilities for a better life."
More information about Gateway of Grace is available at gatewayofgrace.org.
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