From MBG to MBG+C - 2 Years in Canada :)

Coming to Canada is one of my greatest dream come true moments. It has been always my dream to travel and live halfway across the globe and experience the season changes particularly, winter. I have a low tolerance for cold temperatures but there is something about winter and the snow that makes the scenery otherworldly. Everything is a blanket of white fluffy stuff; I cannot help but think it would be like walking on a cloud. I always wonder if a cup of warm chocolate tastes better when I sit close to a burning fireplace in my cozy knitwear. There are a lot more things I wish I knew then of winter. Is it hard to make a snowman? Will my daughter enjoy sledding? Will I look good in an overly puffy winter coat? What does snow taste like, will it get me wet? I can’t help but smile coming back to those questions. I have the answers now and I am pleased with what I have discovered in my 2 years in Canada.

Arrival, the night of Nov 16, 2019

Why Canada when there are other countries that could give me that winter wonderland of my dreams? Simply, because, Canada is gorgeous! I have seen travel spreads of Canada before and fell in love. The province that caught my attention was Nova Scotia. I was fascinated by the seemingly vast seascape and the serenity depicted in that photo. From there I started reading more about Canada, the ways of life, what to expect, jobs, attending school, and all other relevant information I thought worth knowing. We were convinced that Canada is for us. Our family lodge an application to come in as Permanent Residents in 2016. After a year of waiting, we did not hear back. With a heavy heart, we withdrew from the application. I held on to my dream, that one day, I will set foot in the Great White North.

John Wooden prove his words to be true when he said, "Don't give up on your dreams, or your dreams will give up on you." In an unexpected turn of events, my husband got a surprise in his inbox of a job and a relocation offer to Toronto. The process was not easy, but no matter how painful the process was, we gladly took it. Our family will always remember that November 16, 2019, was the happiest day of our lives.

Hello Toronto

building a snowman is not hard, it is fun!

Gabby enjoys sledding

fresh snow is fluffy and soft, then it gets slippery and slushie

I think I look good in overly puffy winter stuff

Hot Chocolate and even slime making is better near the fireplace

this girl knows what snow really taste like, I don't lol

In May 2021, our family is blessed with another beautiful soul. A tiny ball of midnight-blue fur and black velvet nose. We named her Cookie. A gorgeous cat with a fat belly and overly round face.

A few months old Cookie

8 months old Cookie

Keeping our faith and believing in the timing of the Lord, we got our Permanent Residency in August 2021. We are now on our second-year anniversary in Canada, and we are loving all the new experiences, learnings, and adventures that come with it. I will not pretend and say that I have come to know what there is to know, two years in this magnificent country is but short. I am still learning, taking little steps each day, and knowing where to direct my feet. One thing that stands out for me and never gets old is how the people here are polite and friendly. I am very weak with directions and could not read or understand Google Maps, but I always find my way with the help of those around me. 

We Are Made for The Snow: MBG + C is Here to Stay!

Our PR photos lol

When you are in Toronto, the rest of the world is just a few steps away. Toronto is a melting pot of culture and ethnicity. We have only been to a few of the many ethnic enclaves in the city but trust we will be there a little at a time.

We have visited a couple of beautiful places in Ontario and one trip overseas to a neighboring country.

Summer Fling: Niagara Falls and the Promenade

Up We Go: The Cloud-Capped Mountain!

Casa Loma

Downtown Old and New City Hall and the 3D Toronto Sign

New City Hall

Old City Hall

3D Toronto Sign

Ripleys and lots of park and beach outings :)

Our first trip outside of Canada :)

Of Fine Sands and Ruins: Cancun - The Halcyon Coast of Mexico

Life is certainly not greener halfway across the globe (well in Canada, it is certainly whiter) but I believe what truly matters are the desires of our hearts and staying true to ourselves. We see Canada as an ideal country to raise our daughter, to slowly work our dreams, and finally, to be able to live the life we wanted to live. From MBG to MBG+C + many more blessings ahead, thank you, Lord. You are amazing!

4 seasons entry

MBG+CXTO2021. 

This piece speaks little of my soul, more like my Canada-dreaming soul :) Originally written on Sep 20, 2021.