Visit to Canada

On Tuesday morning, Sean and I visited Canada. The trip was short; it was only for three hours. And then we left again.

Okay, we didn’t actually get on a plane and fly over to Canada for three hours.  We went to the Canadian Embassy in Nairobi.  Sean and I needed to go to the Embassy because we need a letter from the Province of Ontario and the Canadian Embassy stating that both of them agree that we are Canadian citizens and that they are in agreement for our adoption.  It’s a standardized letter but needed by the adoption agency.

As we drove toward the Embassy, there was a drop-off lane that had Canadian flags leading up to the entrance gate.  I turned to Sean and said, “I’m so excited to be on Canadian soil; even if it’s only for an hour.”

We went through a bunch of security; we had to turn in our cell phones.  We saw the tennis courts and basketball courts (but didn’t see the pool).  I don’t think these luxuries are available for any Canadian who just strolls off the street; I assume it’s for the staff of the Embassy.  Bummer.

We walked to one department of Embassy and were quickly told to go to another department which lead to more security to go through.  When we reached the immigration side, we sat down and waited our turn.  We looked around at the people waiting their turn as well.  We were still the minorities. In the three hours we were there, we only saw two other white people. 

We then finished with immigration and went back to the other department to finish up with them.  As we sat in the comfy chairs, it was so comforting and cool to see the Canadian flag displayed everywhere. It was nice to read books about our Canadian history. It was great to see pictures on the wall of the Rockies, even a York University poster. 

It made me miss Canada a little bit but helped with a bit of the “homesickness” that I’m feeling.  You can take the girl out of Canada but you can’t take Canada out of the girl.  I’ll always have a soft spot and love for Canada.

It’s always nice to have family/friends come from Canada.  Although we can’t go there, when people come and visit, it brings a bit of “home” to us.  And usually family/friends are awesome to bring us things from Canada that we can’t get here or really miss from there. 

We currently have two friends here in Kitale from our church back in Newmarket; they are here through a different ministry but we get to see them.   We have a team from our church visiting us at In Step for two weeks in July.  And one of the team members is staying for three months.  Sean’s mom is looking at coming in the fall of this year too for a visit and hopefully to hold her grandbaby for the first time!

We don’t know when our REAL next visit to Canada will be. Sean and I looked at coming to Canada for a visit in April but just don’t see it being a financially responsible move right now, especially with the adoption stuff going on, among other things.  But God has been so faithful to us; I’m learning to worry less and trust more. J

So if anyone wants to plan a trip to Kenya to visit us, come on over!  We have the room for you.

Much Love,

Meredith