This week marks a milestone for our family. On the 11th of January (Wednesday) we became Canadian citizens. Never did I think even for a second it would mean so much to me. But it does. The closest I can come to describing it is a sense of belonging. 39 people became citizens with us from 15 countries. South Africa is called the rainbow nation, but I thought this term is more relevant here! Canadians are made up from every race and country on the globe... and we felt honored and blessed to be a part of it. A dear friend decorated our house with more than 20 Canadian flags... how sweet is that? I am still smiling just thinking of it.
If you are wondering, we still have dual citizenship in South Africa. But traveling with a Canadian passport is a sweet deal. Canada's good standing with most nations void entry visas and likewise documentation.
This is a thank you to the immigration officers working hard to make this dream come true, A thank you to wonderful Canadian friends who was more excited than us... Barb Riley, you know who you are.
Immigrating to a new country is not for the faint of heart. We are a family of 5 and if I could have earned a dollar for every form that i filled in i could retire in luxury. We have been in Canada 7 years this year and on average (among the South Africans) this is how long it takes to become a Canadian Citizen. Yesterday we went to Saskatoon to apply for Passports and when we walked out of the government building, I said to Jaco that I think I need a drink... our immigration process is finished at last! I am writing this not only for my blog readers, but so that my children's kids one day will know how they came to live in Canada.
love and a kiss
Ps... who doesn't love a sale? I DO! Check this out: (click the image)
11 comments :
Congratulations, Wilna!
That's awesome Wilna! Welcome!!!!
ahhh, what a beautiful story! I have always felt so blessed to have been born here. . . TFS and your work always inspires me.
Blessings,
Gail
Congrats!! Canada is lucky to have you!!
CONGRATULATIONS to the whole Furstenberg family!
From a fellow Sask. and Cdn. - honoured to have you choose our country & province!!!
Congratulations Wilna to you and your family! I remember how privileged I felt when I had the honour to witness my husband's swearing in ceremony about 4 years ago (he had been in Canada 34 years before taking the plunge!). I do think every Canadian should witness the ceremony - it is truly a special moment.
Ahhh, how lovely for you all - and how great to record it while it is still so fresh. Your children will be so pleased in years to come ... Congratulations!
Congratulations!!!! I am Canadian citizen since 2008 and I completely understand the way you feel. All that process is over... and it's like the re-start of a new adventure! :)
Congratulations!!!! I got my citizenship in summer of 2011!! Best feeling ever!!!
Congrats, Wilna and family! I thought of you as fellow Canadians prior to Jan. 11th but now it's official! Yay.
Just discovered you and your blog and your beautiful creations after listening to you on the paperclipping roundtable! I'm also a canadian who lived as an expat in Switzerland for 12 years. I'm now Canadian AND Swiss and I now live in the USA since a bit more than one year. Crazy stuff!! lol I hope my canadian fellows treat you well. :) Sincerely, Marie
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