“For I know the plans I have for you” declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”  – Jeremiah 29:11 NIV

 

Since the inception of immigration, people all over the world never ceased in searching for “the better place” where they would settle. It is that place where they could build their dreams, realize it and enjoy life with their families and loved ones.

My wife left me and my daughter in the Philippines to work overseas. She endured the pain of being away from us for years just to search for possible ways and means to help uplift our struggling life in a politically and economically torn country. She worked long and hard, days and nights, doing all sorts of work from blue-collar jobs to professional jobs. The hardest part for her is the fact that she’s taking care of someone’s child and not her own. All these sacrifices were clouded by a hope and dream – to take our family to a place where we can live in prosperity, feel secured, with peace in our mind and thank God each morning that comes.

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In 2012, my wife landed in Canada as a Nanny. Things weren’t easy for her. At times, she broke down in tears while having an overseas conversation with me and my daughter.  After two (2) long years of struggle, she finally had her necessary working papers to look for a better job, and she did. She then started to work on documents for our migration.  Me and my daughter finally set foot on Canadian soil in July 14, 2016. Tears of joy ran down to our cheeks as we took the escalator to the arrival area of Calgary Airport where my wife is patiently waiting and almost fainted because of her overwhelming eagerness to embrace us for the first time in three (3) years.  Wrapping around my arms to the most important women in my life is the best way that I could tell them: Finally, we are now together and we will never be apart again. Never again.

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I used to be a licensed educator in my country. I have a handful of degrees from several universities. A Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Education, a Degree in Law and a Diploma in Special Education. Apparently, my long term goal is to go back to teaching here in Canada.  The big issue now is how? I am aware that Philippine education system is different from other countries, in curriculum and its implementation.  So I thought of finding a way on how to get my credentials assessed.  First things first, I need to have a certification that I am capable of speaking and writing the English language, specifically, in Canadian standards. I took the Canadian Language Benchmark Placement Test (CLBPT) at the Being Human Services administered by the Operations Manager, Karen Ziemann, and successfully passed it. I thought that was my first and last visit to their office but it was just the beginning of an amazing experience.  It’s practically where my new career life in Canada started. I then attended classes and meetings  from basic operation instructions on using the internet and Alberta Government websites to personality development and handling interviews under Ms. Kelly Moody and Ms. Mavis. These two employees of BHS are at par in their crafts.  They gave me influential notions and professional ethics that had helped me in looking for a job.  This may be very basic to others, for me, it is still very important to be reminded of some salient points in searching for the right job. And I will definitely carry with me all through my life.

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I was hired as a laundry attendant at Travelodge Hotel, Medicine Hat in August 9, 2016.  Looking back at my professional career in the Philippines, I couldn’t help but to feel so small in my uniform as a humble laundry guy and doing the laundry in a hotel.  But, I thought of what Ms. Ziemann told me: “this is just a survival job”.  So, I just did what I had to do as expected and being mandated by my job description. But as usual, I am used to hard work and I want to go an extra mile.  I tried my best to ensure quality laundry, accurate inventory on linens and other stuff, and keeping the laundry area clean and presentable. It’s all hard work but very rewarding. The General Manager of the hotel noticed appreciated my effort.  After four days of being a laundry guy, the manager talked to me in his office and offered me a position – to be the Housekeeping Department Supervisor! It was almost surreal to me. I have never seen or heard of someone in my entire life,  who got promoted from the lowest position to a supervisory position in a matter of four days! Honestly, I was totally blown away and couldn’t believe at first.  I went home after that life-changing meeting and waited until dinner time.  When I prayed for the food that we were about to partake, I thanked God for the promotion. That’s the time I broke down and cried for the goodness of the LORD in our lives.  My wife and daughter were surprised with the good news and were  in tears too. It was tears of joy and gratitude for the faithfulness of the LORD to us. The responsibility on my shoulder is quite overwhelming but with HIS help and guidance, I am doing good so far.  I already hired several people who had the same situation that I had before.  Now, I am enjoying my job. I am working with a multi-cultural team. And trying my best to make a positive change in my workplace and in the lives of the people around me.

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Lastly, I had my professional credentials assessed by International Qualifications Assessment Services (IQAS) in Edmonton and my Bachelor’s Degree and Master’s Degree in Education, combined, is equivalent to a Bachelor’s Degree and a one (1) year of Master’s Degree Program in Canadian standard. My Bachelor’s Degree in Law is equivalent to one (1) year professional Law degree in Canadian standard and my Diploma in Special Education compares to the completion of a university certificate.  With this great news, I’m looking forward to work in the academe in the future.

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As what the LORD’s declaration to me in Jeremiah 29:11, I can say now that we have a better chance in life here in this place where God has destined us to be, Canada.