I and
my mama had been praying for the trip all year long back in 2012. I remember I
had made it as one of my faith goals during MOLE (Mingle, Open up, Laugh and
Enjoy? Haha. Eeps. Forgot.) at the beginning of the year. I wasn’t sure
how to get there but I was sure that God will be with me every step of the way.
Initially, we had planned to have the trip in March in time for Mama's
birthday. But due to lack of resources, we pushed it to June and instead have
Mama come over here. Come June, I felt that I wasn't ready financially too. But
Mama already submitted her papers and wasn't successful. Then again we pushed
it towards November so I could better prepare for the requirements. This time
sadly, I knew I was the only who could make it.
Then
September came, I had been praying really hard as I really wanted in my heart
to visit my sister and nieces there. I wanted to check if they're ok and how's
the life going there. I just missed them so much. Then upon seeing the Visa
stamp on my passport - I knew it's going to be a blessed trip.
My
angels, Mel, Bell, Dengs and Monet sent me to the airport and wished me well.
They knew I had been praying and waiting for that day. On my entire time aboard
the plane, I can't help myself but be overwhelmed with so much excitement -
excited to see my sister; excited to hug and kiss my babies; excited to see and
experience Canada; and excited to meet people. Oh one thing though - I was also
anxious to go pass the customs with my daing. Que horror! Haha! And just as I
prayed for - the officer didn’t even ask me anything about my luggages unlike
the guys before me.
And
outside while waiting for them, I can just imagine the surprise in the faces of
my nieces. "Love!" called my sister while she was approaching me with
teary eyes. Hugged her. On the car, I loved the looks on my babies’ faces as
they were so happy to see me after almost 2.5 years. We took photos and then I
knew I would have my time stop ticking for the next 3 weeks.
I
remember having breakfast with the family before I bring the kids to school. I
giggled on the way as I saw a real big Pine tree. I love breathing through my
mouth as I see the smoke comes out. I was loving the cold weather and the
thought that I was actually able to play with my nieces, reunite with my sister
and experience my future home!!! Claiming it then!
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Doing my Tita duties |
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doing our laundry haha |
I had
the chance to meet the small Filipino community there where my sister’s family
belong to. They were really fun-loving people. One Sunday afternoon they
decided to bring me to Niagara Falls. I was so delighted because I not only had
the a grand time seeing the MAGNIFICENT NIAGARA FALLS but also had my splurge
time at the Coach and Guess Outlets for quite good marked-down prices. In there
I got to buy 6 items from Coach for $SGD 400 while I would have to spend $SGD
1,000 for the same items here in Singapore. Really cool!
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loved the double rainbow. they were too close that I could almost stand on one end |
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breath-taking view - one of the proofs that God exists |
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freezing cold there
|
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with my yati yan2x |
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Yes, pede na ba pang Canada's Next Top Model |
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baby you can ride my cycle... hehe |
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who's more beautiful? haha! the falls said he! |
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love the golden crisp leaves |
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Must-try hotdog bun on the streets of Toronto |
I
also had the chance to visit yet another streets of outlet stores in Orpus
housing 20+ shops selling top brands at almost 50-75% marked down prices. Enjoyed
the hotdog buns they sell on the streets, which come with fries. Love that I
can actually choose whatever bits and pieces that I want to go along with the
bun – bacon strips, Jalapeno, Pickles, etc. I had a chance to chat with the old
man vendor who asked me where I am from. I said I am from the Philippines. He
said he and his family were from Italy. They migrated to Canada some 10 years
ago. He said he was impressed at my accent and enunciation because I didn’t
sound Asian. I could imagine how hard it must be for him to bear the cold
winter weather to sell those buns. May God bless him and his family, I prayed
after I bade goodbye to him. It’s those moments of meeting people and getting
to know the life on that side of the world that I love the most when
travelling. I bring a piece of them with me. And I feel gratefulness in my
heart all the more.
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Canada's famous Tim Horton's Hot Chocolate and Panini |

One
of the things I loved too with this trip was my chance of seeing my aunt whom I
haven’t seen for some 15 years. She and the kids prepared a welcome dinner for
me. They even wrote me a welcome note. And yes, I ended up getting all her
pre-loved clothes and shoes. I just love being the recipient of someone else’s
generosity really! Haha.
On my
last day, just how lucky I can get noh as I was called for my personal
interview at my company’s branch there. That gave me a sign that it certainly
wasn’t my last hurrah! And true enough! Almost a year after the interview, I
got the final interview and now as I write this I am just waiting for my
working VISA. Indeed, God has been faithful to me. Or was I the one who’s been
faithful to God’s promises. Either way, I am just grateful and blessed!
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Casa Lomo Castle |
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One of the car stalls in the business area which sells yummy hotdog buns |
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CN Tower |
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Yes, I am standing at a glass above 1200 feet the ground |
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Striking a pose at the busy streets in the city |
When
I think of Toronto, I can only remember the Love of my Family and Love of God
through each wonderful moment I experienced in that blessed journey.
See
you soon Toronto! xoxo
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