Posted on July 1, 2009 - by Joy

Happy Canada Day!

I made it…post on Canada day. Here I am sitting quietly at home, up the hill with the views of the flickering lights of the city. When I think about the past decade since we moved to Vancouver, it gives me a slight shock to think that all of that happened, and it still feels like yesterday when we were in a packing frenzy because we had to leave in two weeks! Two weeks! We received our immigration visas the month before I was to leave for a long fieldwork in a remote area in the Philippines. Our flight was two days before that very important requirement for me to graduate from my bachelor’s. I stayed here for a day, I think, and kissed Canada good-bye again.

The idea of staying in Canada then left me cold. It wasn’t “home”. I didn’t have a life here. I had a couple of friends who were already here, sure, but nothing compares to having your social safety net. For the first year of my stay here when I eventually came back, I wished to go back. Oh, what a difference 10 years make.

Today, I wouldn’t be anywhere else. Although I have friends and family back in Manila, I’ve found new friends here to treasure. I am now in my comfort zone. This country has brought me many opportunities for learning and living. Its people, although not perfect and not everyone is nice, I’ve come to accept. And love. The diversity it has is such a blessing. The freedom we all enjoy here is very empowering. Thank you Canada! You’re wonderful. <3