O Canada

Saying Goodbye to Living in Canada

How do you say goodbye to a place? I have spent nearly eight years living in Canada and now there are only days left before I return to England on a one-way flight. I can’t help but swell, cry, and see that I am leaving with my hands full.

I moved to Vancouver in August 2016. It didn’t feel much like moving at the time - more like going somewhere for a few years, knowing I could still visit home. I brought one suitcase and didn’t have much money saved. I didn’t know enough about living in Vancouver… the immigration system or rental prices or how to cook or how to find a new Church. I had a lot of growing up to do. I still do.

My time in Vancouver was a time of friendship, independence, Church and purpose. I felt satisfied at work and I adventured too. Camping, sleepovers, road trips, exploring, hikes, breweries. I learned to date. It wasn’t just meals with my friend’s parents but spending Easter with my boyfriend’s family and flying out to Alberta and bringing Nathan home with me at Christmas. I slowly gained a family of my own and it’s hard to word how special that has been. I left Vancouver with my cup full.

Canada has had me from age 25 to 33. That’s a quarter of my life. It has been a good quarter. I have lived in Alberta for the last four years, wading through the pandemic like the rest of us and learning to grow roots alongside Nate. I have a husband and a daughter now. I have a Canadian mother and father and sisters. I even have a Grandmother again. I’m not flying home with just my one suitcase this time. I have roots here, and friendship and memories. I even have a citizenship application in the works.

My husband and I have been saying a lot of goodbyes recently and it feels bitter, not sweet. We both feel sad to leave Canada (and all the people it hosts for us). But I also feel glad that I came. Back in 2018 I chose to extend my work permit rather than moving back to England and I am so glad that I did. Time will tell if Nate & I regret leaving Canada, but I certainly don’t regret coming here.

Family

Friends

Adventures

Scenery