It seemed like it'd take an eternity and that the months would slowly inch by... moments slowly turning into minutes and then days, and then weeks... but now, a year has gone by.
A year ago I moved to Canada, and in September 2013, submitted my paperwork for permanent residency. I was told it would take 11 months for the first stage to be completed. At that point, I could apply for a work permit and enjoy the benefits of having an OHIP card.
Eleven months of no employment and no education seemed like a really long time. And it is-- don't get me wrong. I certainly had many days of watching the clock and wondering when the day would finally be over. I struggled with my identity in the midst of inactivity. I wrestled with where I placed my confidence. I learned, for the first time, what a struggle against depression really is like. I've never had to fight more for my motivation, my desire to get up, my confidence or my joy. But this year I've learned how to fight for them.
I'm still awaiting my work permit. I am expecting it next month. But as I prepare to leave this stage of transition and seemingly useless and petty activities to fill my days, I have to stop and be grateful for this time. I'm thankful for this time where I've been able to read over 20 books in the last 10 months. I'm grateful for the opportunity to get involved with non-profit after non-profit, truly getting to know the individual community I live in. I'm thankful for the time to invest in children and youth who are desperately lacking role models and individualized attention. I'm grateful for the diverse network of social connections I have become part of. I was blessed to journey with friends on a spiritual journey that I was able to invest much time into this year. I'm so blessed to have been able to travel to Michigan, Kentucky, Illinois, Texas and the Amazon Jungle without having to request time off. Because of it, I have attended a missions conference, two out-of-country weddings and have participated in a beautiful medical missions trip.
Had I been blessed with a job a year ago, I am certain my experiences would be different. I am sure I would have learned much and have grown tremendously. But I cannot take for granted the beautiful experiences and lessons I have been able to acquire because of this unique time off.
A year ago I moved to Canada, and in September 2013, submitted my paperwork for permanent residency. I was told it would take 11 months for the first stage to be completed. At that point, I could apply for a work permit and enjoy the benefits of having an OHIP card.
Eleven months of no employment and no education seemed like a really long time. And it is-- don't get me wrong. I certainly had many days of watching the clock and wondering when the day would finally be over. I struggled with my identity in the midst of inactivity. I wrestled with where I placed my confidence. I learned, for the first time, what a struggle against depression really is like. I've never had to fight more for my motivation, my desire to get up, my confidence or my joy. But this year I've learned how to fight for them.
I'm still awaiting my work permit. I am expecting it next month. But as I prepare to leave this stage of transition and seemingly useless and petty activities to fill my days, I have to stop and be grateful for this time. I'm thankful for this time where I've been able to read over 20 books in the last 10 months. I'm grateful for the opportunity to get involved with non-profit after non-profit, truly getting to know the individual community I live in. I'm thankful for the time to invest in children and youth who are desperately lacking role models and individualized attention. I'm grateful for the diverse network of social connections I have become part of. I was blessed to journey with friends on a spiritual journey that I was able to invest much time into this year. I'm so blessed to have been able to travel to Michigan, Kentucky, Illinois, Texas and the Amazon Jungle without having to request time off. Because of it, I have attended a missions conference, two out-of-country weddings and have participated in a beautiful medical missions trip.
Had I been blessed with a job a year ago, I am certain my experiences would be different. I am sure I would have learned much and have grown tremendously. But I cannot take for granted the beautiful experiences and lessons I have been able to acquire because of this unique time off.
