The Hazara,11 english translators from Afghanistan arrive in Palmerston North with their families.

The Hazara where english translators working for the New Zealand army in Bamiyan, Afiganistan. Bonny and I are working with refugee services to help them re-settle in New Zealand. They arrived yesterday afternoon by bus from Auckland and were honored in a ceremony at Linton Army base. The 11 english translators from Afghanistan were the first civilans to be awarded the New Zealand Service Medal

Naim Mohammad the head of our family recieves his service medals from Army Chief Major General Dave Gawn.

Naim with his service medals at dinner.

The three girls Mancha, Morsal and Asma the next morning eating breakfast in their new house.

Taking Niam shopping at the farmers market in Palmerston North with Margaret another volunteer.

Niam visiting the Mosque in Palmerston North.

Shopping at Moshims for Halal food.

After 3 hours of shopping and talking with other Afghan families we finally check out at Pak N Save.

It has been a exhausting, exciting expierence helping our Afghan family move into their new home and shop for supplies. Next week we need to help them open a bank account, enroll in the english teaching college, get approval from work and income for a refrigirator and washing machine. Not to mention make sure their 3 girls have a doctor and are enrolled in school. Salaam aleikhum from New Zealand.