Today, April 8, 2018, marks the 10 year anniversary of my family officially moving to Canada to stay.
It was a day filled with emotions on both ends of the spectrum.
Sadness, of leaving the only home we had ever known. Tearful goodbye’s with family and friends who had seen us grow up and help shape us into the people we were at that point. But also excitement, for a new future, a fresh start. Anticipation of meeting new people and building new friendships.
When my parents first brought up the idea of moving to Canada from Germany, I was devastated and told them there was no way I would move them. I even started thinking of which aunt would take me in to live with them.
I was looking forward to graduating and starting my job hunt. Joining our youth in church and becoming more independent. Now they wanted to take me away from all of that. So needless to say, I was not thrilled at all.
In the end, it took 4 or 5 years to actually completely relocate us. First it was the paperwork and then it was dissolving our life in Germany that dictated our timeline.
I can only say that it was Gods mercy that was leading our ways. 4 years is a long time to come to grips with what will be happening next and I needed that time.
By the time our flights were booked to come permanently to Canada, I was ready to go. I was ready to see what God had in store for us in this new country, on this new continent.
April 8, 2008 was that day.
Many people have asked me since: “Do you miss it?” My answer is always the same. I miss the people who were so much a part of my life, but I wouldn’t go back. For visits, yes, absolutely. But I feel that I don’t want to move back.
God has blessed my family and I so richly since we have made that move. Just speaking of my life:
- I found the love of my life, Jeffrey, here. I wouldn’t have met him and been able to build a relationship with him, without moving
- I have gotten to know so many new people, built so many amazing friendships
- I graduated with a degree in Nursing from a University, a place I never would have attended in Germany
- I am able to work at my dream job in one of the highest care Centers in the country
- And so so many more things
Much has happened to us as a family in these 10 years! We came as a family of 5 with all 3 of us kids being under 18 (barely 😊).
Now fast forward to today. We are a family of 8, one of which being a baby. We have gone through quite a few things in the last 10 years, from figuring out how to buy a car here, to buying a house, to planning 2 weddings (the Canadian way 😜), to a cancer diagnosis, to welcoming the first grandchild/nephew.
God has blessed us richly!
