Letters from my Journey

WINNIPEG MB – On Wednesday, July 29th the Barbara Mitchell Family Resource Centre (Winnipeg) launched a new book entitled "Letters from my Journey."  The book is composed of letters written by immigrant moms to their children.  Lindsay Feuer, a Social Work practicum student from Booth University College, who gathered the information says "The project was created to empower participants by listening to their experiences and to be able to emphasize their strengths and value their struggles.  The letters to their children provide for us a sense of what life was like back home for their families, specifically, the aspects of their country that will be greatly missed as well as the reasons for their departure."

Major Roxanne Jennings (above, far right), newly appointed Executive Director of BMFRC, eloquently challenged each of us to embrace our own story because it is who we are.  "In reflecting on the significance of this book and the significance of telling our stories, we often focus on the differences between us and yes we are all different.  We’re all different, we’re all unique, yet we are all the same.  One of the things that unites us is the fact that each of us has a story to tell.  They are a means of communicating, recreating, helping, and preserving culture by translating memories into a more concrete manner that can be handed down verbally or in written form.  Just as our fingerprints are unique, so are our stories."

As the reader, we are able to gain a sense of the appreciation that those who have resettled in Canada have for our country.  When their children grow up, they will have the opportunity to look back at this book, and reflect on the history and experiences of their parents to better understand where they come from.

Psalm 139:14 KJV  "I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;  Wonderful are your works; and that my soul knoweth right well."

The Salvation Army Barbara Mitchell Family Resource Centre, located at 51 Morrow Avenue in Winnipeg, provides essential after-school activities for children, seniors, and families as well as responsive settlement services.  Copies of the book can be received for a donation.

For volunteer opportunities or more information about our Centre please contact us at 204.946.9152.