If you'd rather place an order by talking to one of our cheerful order desk clerks, please call 1-888-232-4444 (USA and Canada only) or 250-383-6864. From Europe, ring our UK order desk clerk at local rate number 0845 230 9601 (UK only) or 44 (0)1865 722 113.

Sleep With No Worries

by Dave Black and Anne Black

248 pages; quality trade paperback (softcover); catalogue #07-1837; ISBN 1-4251-4377-6; US$20.00, C$23.00, EUR15.59, £10.34

A vivid, engaging and humorous true story of how naive but enthusiastic sponsors help an elderly Kosovar couple realize their lifelong dream of finding peace, freedom and democracy.

About the Book

Naive but keen, Dave, Anne and five friends volunteer to become first-time sponsors, and are matched with an elderly couple from Kosovo. Little do they know they are about to embark on an adventure unlike anything ever experienced before.

This true story will make you laugh out loud, bring tears to your eyes, and leave you wanting to meet this amazing Kosovar couple.

The instant Nezir Brajshori--the tall, confident, outgoing man better known as "Hajji"--and his wife Nazife--a quiet, retiring, gentle woman--set foot on Canadian soil and meet their sponsors, the fun and challenges begin. Adjusting to each other and to unexpected cultural differences, the sponsors and newcomers share hilarious moments, overcome language barriers and tackle the practical difficulties of daily life in a new country.

The sponsors introduce the Brajshoris to Canada's modern, urban environment, while Hajji entertains with anecdotes of traditional rural life. Together they celebrate the arrival of the Brajshoris' son, Dani, rejoice in the excitement of trips to Germany, Mecca, and Kosovo, and partake in the joy of a visit with the Prime Minister of Canada. The volunteers learn about the Muslim religion and the art of living the moment, while Hajji and Nazife internalize the Canadian way of life.

As years go by, a bond is created. The relationship blossoms, as sponsors pass from role of helper to friend, becoming as close as family itself.

In becoming Canadian citizens, the Brajshoris achieve their dreams of democracy, peace and freedom.

About the Authors

When we began our sponsoring responsibilities with Nezir and Nazife Brajshori, one aspect we had never thought about was the genuine interest shown by our diverse friends and acquaintances. From the instant the Brajshoris arrived, we were faced with a barrage of questions from everyone we knew. Whenever we met, they wanted an update on how our elderly couple were and asked for details on what we were up to now. They enjoyed hearing about our unique experiences, marvelled at the flexibility, humour and acceptance of this elderly couple, and laughed at our various predicaments. They were forever commenting on how truly interesting this all was and suggesting we should write about it. As time went on, we began to feel that perhaps more people really would like to share our experiences. This book, Sleep With No Worries, is the result.

Excerpts