The year is coming to an end. As part of its recap series, Vox wanted to provide its readers with an update. Part 1: Wael Eshack, who reflected on his life at Heumensoord during the New Year's reception.

When Gerard Meijer delivered his New Year’s address in January, thousands of refugees were living at Heumensoord. One of them was Wael Eshack (33) from Syria. During the reception in the auditorium, he shared his story about coming to the Netherlands, living in Heumensoord and the gratitude he felt towards Nijmegen residents.

How are you doing now?
‘My life is still pretty much the same: it’s a waiting game. At the moment, I’m on the waiting list for a house. Two weeks ago I found out that my wife can come to the Netherlands. But she hasn’t heard anything from the Dutch embassy in Beirut about her visa. Until she does, she won’t be able to fly to the Netherlands. I haven’t seen her in sixteen months. She lives near the area occupied by ISIS. We do Skype regularly, though.’

Where do you live now?
‘I live in a farmhouse near Barendrecht with four other Syrian men. I don’t like it because it’s in the middle of nowhere. And I’m still on the waiting list for a house. Maybe I just have bad luck.’

What do you hope your future holds here in the Netherlands?
‘In Syria, I spent years working with audio equipment as a sound engineer. Artists came to me to record their music. I hope to do the same thing in the Netherlands, but I may have to get some diplomas first. Above all else, I want to work. I don’t like handouts.’

Are you still in touch with the university?
‘I had lunch with Martijn Gerritsen (spokesperson for the Executive Board, Ed.) in February. I don’t really like asking for help. To me, it’s like begging, which is not something I do.’

During your speech, you mentioned how hard life was in Heumensoord. Would you ever come back to Nijmegen?
‘I’d love to. But I’m a resident of Barendrecht now and my first priority is to find a house.’