His family has moved east, but this Syrian refugee is staying in Yukon

His family has moved to warmer climes, but Ismail Aarafatsays he has no plans to leave Yukon, his home for the last two years.

"I am staying here right now," the Syrian refugeesaid, in between customers at the Whitehorse barbershop where he works.

"It's been two years in Yukon, I feel like it's one month. It's going quickly."

Aarafat arrived in Whitehorse in January 2016, along with the rest of his 11-member family. They were the first Syrian refugees brought to Yukon under the current sponsorship program.

Last year, his family decided to pack up and move on to Windsor, Ont.,where they'd finda larger community of Syrian-Canadians.

• Syrian family says 'wadaeaan' to Yukon as they move to Ontario

Aarafatdecided to stay. He likedhis new job as a barber (something he hadn't done before), and wasenjoying the Yukon lifestyle walking, biking, playing soccer,and ice fishing.

He also likes the people, who he says have been helpful and patient as he's workedto learn English.

"If I do mistakes, they don't laugh at me," he said. "It's a very good place to start. Because it's not big city. It's nice."

Aarafat admits that life in Yukonwas difficult at first, though.

"It's a new country, new roles, new people, new language, new weather and everything very much new to you," he said.

Taking ajob at the barbershop helped him settle in to his new life. He metlots of people, and got to practice his English daily.

"You don't have to be shy. If you're shy, you don't learn. This is my advice for people so, don't be shy," he said.

"Do mistakes, it's OK. You will learn."

He plans to visit his relatives in Windsor as often ashe can, but he's also anticipating the arrival of some other familiar faces in Yukon. The charitable group Yukon Cares hopesto bring another Syrian family, relatives of the Aarafats, to Whitehorse this year.

"I'm waiting for them. I hope they come soon. Thatwould be awesome," Ismail said.

"I will get them shaved as well, and haircuts."

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