Settlement

Knowing our potential to become Canadian citizens, my husband and I, refugees in our stolen country, planned to immigrate to Canada looking for a safer and decent life for us and our children.

We started a long process of complicated procedures, full of hope, travel difficulties, and a very long time of waiting to get final approval from the government of Canada. My husband came to Canada two years before the arrival of the rest of our family. This period was the most difficult time in my life; our five kids and I moved to live in my father’s house. I changed the school of my daughter to a closer one near my father’s house. Each detail in our daily life suddenly changed with the new living place. Then, the day of arriving in Canada came. It was the day of many scattered emotions, and extreme tiredness after a long journey. I was overwhelmed and could not observe each moment and record it in my memory. Keeping my children safe during the journey was the most important matter for me. A lot of details happened; I cannot forget the reaction of my four-year-old daughter (Yara) when she saw her father after being apart for two years.

After six months of living in Canada, I know without a doubt that I must do soul-searching in my new life. I started learning English, as I am planning to continue my education and register at a university very soon. I realize that I should get out from the house and have more conversations with people.

My children were welcomed and provided for by their school and taught English. During one of our walks to the nearest park, I heard my little son talking to a friend in particularly good English. I do not know how and when his level in English improved.

Now, after more than one year in Canada, I have adjusted to the new environment, and decided to maintain living, laughing, learning and achieve all my goals in life.