By Robert Bestwick
A few weeks ago, I reached a very important milestone in my life – I officially became a Canadian citizen. Having called Canada home for the past seven years, I’ve always felt a warm embrace from this society. However, it got me wondering – when do you truly know that you are, or are ready to be, Canadian?
From where I grew up in Chile, Canada is often admired as a jewel of the first world. Known for its high living standards, abundant opportunities, inclusivity and freedom, Canada has rightfully earned its reputation. This isn’t just an image portrayed from the outside; it’s the reality you instantly experience upon arrival – majestic landscapes, busy urban cities, orderly systems, and the kindest folks you’ll meet.
But some facets of Canada aren’t on the glossy postcards. The realities of the cost of living, healthcare challenges, housing issues and more. Now, this isn’t a complaint but rather an observation that Canada, like every country, has its own set of battles to fight.
It’s at this point, where you shift from being a visitor to living like a local that you truly feel the sense of belonging. What’s more, you start to comprehend your own adaptability – your willingness to leave behind the familiar and embrace a new way of life. It’s a transformative mindset fueled by the new roots you’re planting in your adopted homeland.
This transition is a lot like faith. Maybe this is what Paul had in mind when he wrote to the Ephesians as “fellow citizens with God’s people and members of God’s household,” (Eph. 2:19). Initially, it’s all roses and rainbows, but as you train and develop your faith, you begin to see the flaws that were hidden in the honeymoon phase. However, true faith is like love, is about accepting this imperfect human side of something that, by definition, is holy. Acknowledging that there’s no such thing as heaven on earth or a perfect religious denomination, it’s also part of the process. When you choose to continue the journey, even when expectations aren’t quite met, that commitment solidifies your identity and belonging.
Not everyone’s immigration journey is the same, much like not everyone’s faith or love journey is. It demands a great deal of understanding and adaptability. But same as the immigration process, faith and love have the final promise of changing lives for good when accepting and embracing the new. As I reflect on my own journey, I see I’m myself a different person compared to the one who first stepped foot on Canadian soil. I wear my new identity of being a Chilean-Canadian with immense pride and gratitude, the same as I’m proud of being a person of faith.
So, here’s to my new home. Thank you, Canada, and here’s to a joyful Canada Day!