Saturday, January 14, 2012

Canadian Citizens.


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








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11 comments :

Jill said...

Congratulations, Wilna!

Kimberly White said...

That's awesome Wilna! Welcome!!!!

Gail said...

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

Donna said...

Congrats!! Canada is lucky to have you!!

Dale Anne Potter said...

CONGRATULATIONS to the whole Furstenberg family!
From a fellow Sask. and Cdn. - honoured to have you choose our country & province!!!

Unknown said...

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.

alexa said...

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!

Magali said...

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! :)

9 said...

Congratulations!!!! I got my citizenship in summer of 2011!! Best feeling ever!!!

Sarah MacMillan {Prairie Perch} said...

Congrats, Wilna and family! I thought of you as fellow Canadians prior to Jan. 11th but now it's official! Yay.

Marie-Pierre Capistran said...

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