And finally the Green Card arrived.

Wow, I often thought this day would never come. How many times did I catch myself thinking: “Someone arrived earlier than me and already got the document?” The more I tried to have control over my journey, the more I realized I was losing control.

And then, suddenly, this card arrived at home. Everything became real. But, thinking back, it wasn't that sudden. It was a 10-year journey. Ten years of tears, challenges, achievements, and overcoming. During those 10 years, I applied for Canadian immigration and even put my name on the New Zealand government's list — all so I could have a plan B and C. During that time, I heard people say that I would never be able to work in my field or stay around just to feed their egos by having someone in a worse situation. But I also met new and genuine people, got out of my bubble, built a family, and overcame things I never imagined possible.

Wow, I realized a supernatural strength within me, which I truly believe came from God, because I didn't have the emotional or physical capacity to face everything I faced. Everyone has their immigration journey, and perhaps you, reading this now, are asking yourself: "And when will my document arrive? She got it after 10 years, and I've been here for 15, 20 or more?"

I understand that the victory of others sometimes illuminates our pain. It's like a spotlight on our vulnerabilities and fears. And there are no words I can say right now that will truly comfort you. But there is something you can reflect on: Who are you on this journey? What have you overcome? What were the moments of pain that broke you in half, but somehow you survived? What made you or still makes you who you are?

This isn’t about getting a green card. It’s about having the courage to start a journey and stick with it. Because you’re not the same person who left your home country. But you’re also not a person who belongs entirely to the country you now call home. You’re someone with an expanded identity, where the entire world has become part of your roots.

Any place is both everything and nothing. You have developed the ability to create a home, even if that “home” is just a shared room.

This is about understanding that being strong is painful but also transformative.

Do you know what arrived? A new “me”. And I can assure you: the card is just one part of the process. It is not the entire process by a long shot.