Happy 9th year to me!
Today is my 9th year in Calgary, Canada. It seems like yesterday when I first came here.
I would like to share 9 things about my 9 years here in Canada. 🇨🇦
1. Adjustments and homesickness are real. I had to fought to this feelings during my first 3 years here. But when I first went home in 2017, I told myself that Calgary is my home now. So, if you're new to Canada and feeling a bit homesick, just endure. It will be better soon.
2. If you feel homesick, it's good to find good people who can understand. I'm grateful for my colleagues from Value Village. They are my first friends here and helped me to adjust well here. I'm also thankful for my church family. They're also our friends and prayer warrior. Most especially, I'm grateful for Mike's family here. I can really call them my own.
3. Sometimes, you can be in the waiting period and it's okay. I was in the waiting season for almost 9 years. I really wanted to be a school teacher here in Calgary. Finally, I got my interim license in 2019. Then covid came in 2020. I thought I would never be able to teach in a classroom again. But thank God, I was hired as a subsititute teacher in Emma's school in 2020, in the middle of the pandemic. But now, I'm working full time in that school. God really works wonders if we are just patient to wait.
4. I'm grateful for the free medical system here in Canada. I gave birth to Emma and didn't pay a single cent. When she was 1 day old, she got sick and we stayed in the Children's Hospital for 5 days. She was given the best care and we didn't pay for anything. Also, in the first 6 months of 2021, I battled with a lot of health issues and thankfully all the check-ups, laboratory tests, MRI, emergency rooms are free.
5. Enjoy every season. I love summer because it's hot and we can do a lot of outdoor activities. But I also love winter. The snow is so beautiful. I am still in awe of how the world turned white because of it. I love how the leaves change during fall. I love the cool weather and beautiful color changes that is happening around. I also like spring because that's the time when everything starts blooming and growing again. I've learned in my 9 years here is that embrace the changes of season. Dress appropriately, go out and enjoy! Every season teaches me of something and makes me appreciate how awesome the One who created all this season.
6. I love meeting new people. Here in Calgary, I've met different people from different cultures, backgrounds, origins and experiences. I've learned to appreciate different food cuisine and different cultures. It's just a beautiful picture of the things to come in the future.
Revelation 7:9 "After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, "
7. Explore your community and city. Be involved through volunteering, giving, or attending events.There are so many good places to explore in your city. In my 9 years here, I've volunteered in the library, highway cleanup, Samaritan's Purse. I've attended some free programs of the community. I've given/ donated to some of the non-profit organizations here.
8. In my 9 years here, I learned and appreciate the "Canadian" culture. I appreciate how nice the Canadians are. I learned some slang words and tried to use them in daily basis. I appreciate mapple syrup, bacon, Timmies, and poutine. I loved anything "western" like stampede and boots.
9. As I reflect on my 9 years here in Canada, I can always say that it is only by God's grace and mercy that I was able to thrive here in Canada. There were days when it was too hard because I'm too homesick or I'm struggling with some areas of my life but God sustained me through the years. Through the years, I just hold on to God’s word and promises.
"Fear not, for I am with you;
Be not dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you,
Yes, I will help you,
I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’ Isaiah 41:10
In all of these things, I give back all the glory, praises and thanks to our Lord God.
Praise the Lord! Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.
Psalms 106:1 NKJV
