Settlement

My decision to move to Canada was quite difficult. Even the flight brought an unpleasant surprise, as we had an unexpected short layover in Montreal, and we had tickets for a direct flight Milan (Italy)-Toronto (Canada). Since according to the conditions of our visa, we had to obtain work and study permits at the first airport where we landed, we did the paperwork, which took a lot of time and accordingly we were late for our plane. And yes, our family was in another city, not where we had our family waiting for us, it was night, the children were fussy, we didn’t know anything or anyone, and we didn’t understand the language very well. But there were good people who worked at the airport, there were good people who wrote us free new tickets for another flight, and we arrived safely in Toronto an hour later. Our family was already waiting for us at the airport and took us to their home. Toronto, even Burlington, is different in scale from my city. Canada is a very big and spacious country with wide roads and big skyscrapers. There are also many green areas as well at our house and I still do not understand and speak English well, but I continue to study and learn more and more every time.

Even when I was at home, I knew that it would be very difficult, the adaptation period is always difficult. I didn't build hopes and expectations so that I wouldn't have to be disappointed. And to say that everything will be fine is somehow childish. It all depends on the work and training you put in oneself and skills for quick reorientation in the surrounding environment.

We are still at the stage before dreams come true, we still have a lot of work to do in the future. A distinctive feature of Canada is very kind, friendly people. I have not yet met people who wished me harm or did something bad.

The first feeling is fear, whether I will be able to adapt to the changes, whether I will find a job with a minimum level of English, whether the children will get along with their classmates, or whether they will find friends. The second feeling is freedom and security - to move freely around the city at any time without worrying that a rocket will hit the house or that my husband will be taken away to fight.

The time has not yet come for me to feel at home.