02/07/2026
Ten years ago🔟،we arrived in Canada carrying small suitcases and hearts heavy with fear and memories. We left our homeland because of war, leaving behind everything we knew and everything we once called a “normal life.” We were strangers who didn’t know anyone, and we had no idea what was waiting for us. ❄️
We arrived at this exact time of year… and everything was covered in snow and freezing cold. In our first days, we truly thought Canada meant snow only! We never imagined we would get used to it, but we did. Now it even feels funny that when snow is late, we say: Where is the snow? ☃️
What we never expected was to find open hearts before we found homes, and helping hands before we even asked. The Pictou County community welcomed us with genuine kindness, and people we had never met became part of our extended family. We would also like to give special thanks to Pictou County Safe Harbour for their support and for standing beside us at the beginning of our journey.
“Even today, they remain steadfastly by our side, and over the years have become cherished friends we turn to in times of need—always welcoming us with open hearts ❤️
Today, after ten years, we look around in amazement. How did time pass so quickly? How did the difficult beginnings turn into beautiful memories? The road never felt heavy because we walked it surrounded by kind people who made us feel at home from the very first days.
Our children grew up here, learned, dreamed, and built their futures. Today we even have grandchildren, which reminds us how quickly the years have passed and how deeply this land has become part of our story and our hearts. 👨👩👧👦
From the heart of this journey, our small dream was born and grew with your love — Maple Cedar – Syrian Kitchen, which is now celebrating 7 years. We want to thank all of our customers who supported us from the very beginning, especially during the days when we challenged ourselves with limited resources and limited language.
When we opened the restaurant, our children were very young. We left them for long hours every day to work hard and build a better future for them, and they learned from us how to face challenges and create a bright future for themselves. It was never easy, but your support and trust were the fuel that helped us continue and grow.
Today, those little children are young adults standing beside us and working with us in the restaurant. We are incredibly proud of them and of the journey we have walked together. 🌟
We are grateful to every person who supported us with a kind word, a smile, help, or a visit to our restaurant. Canada is no longer just a country we arrived in… it has become our home, our community, and a story we are proud of every single day. 🇨🇦
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts to everyone who has been part of this journey. ❤️Ten years of hope…
