here's to sixteen years

This is a story about a woman and her two young daughters, who departed on a journey that forever changed their lives. It was a journey that took them from the only home they ever knew and loved, a home where all their family would remain, to a far away land full of unfamiliar places, people, culture, situations and even language. It was a journey many had travelled before but none had image that this woman would do so alone.

The woman was young in age, small and fraile in appearance but headstrong and unshakeable within. She knew the toils that laid ahead for her and her daughters. She was afraid but kept a brave smile on and remained strong for her children. The two girls knew nothing more of the travel which they were about to embark on other than everything they owned had to be packed away and they could only bring two things with them on the plane. They had never even been on a plane before. It was actually quite exciting for them. Family and friends came to see them off and gave them lots of presents! The woman's husband watched closely as his little family disappeared behind the security gate. He was not worried for he knew he would join them in a few months.

The oldest of the two children carried on her back a small knapsack and in one hand was her Barbie's RV. The younger one also carried a little knapsack and in her hand was one of those battery-operated driving set (the ones that are shaped like the front part of a car and has a screen and steering wheel that lets you drive along a simulated track). It was her favourite toy, she had dreams of being a race-car driver one day. In their other hand was held very tightly, the mother's hand.

Aboard the plane, the children could hardly sit still. There was a long argument between the children on who would get the window seat. Somehow, as always, the older one got her way... Their eyes were filled with bewilderment as the plane took off. The young woman had to scowl her youngest daughter for getting off her seat to get a better look out the window. The woman thought leaving home was tough enough, she never realized what a huge task it was just to keep her daughters still and quiet for the long 23 hours trip. But as she had done all her life, the woman kept all these things inside and never complained. Before take-off, she told her children to pray for safety, as she did every time before in their car. This made the oldest child a little nervous. She asked her mother why the plane wasn't safe. The mother, in her paranoia, explained the worst that could happen to her seven and six year old. This made the oldest even more nervous. The younger one thought it was cool! (kids have the weirdest imaginations sometimes...)

Within a few hours of take-off, the children got restless. They played cards, drew pictures, told stories but eventually all these things wore itself out. The youngest became upset when she could not continue to play with her driving set. People around her complained about the noise it made. She was grumpy and cranky the rest of the trip. The oldest, having been turned down by her sister to play Barbie, decided to just sleep. That was her trademark. The young mother just read her book and mostly slept. She was exhaughsted. She spent the whole night before packing, going over last minute details, running around the house making sure nothing was forgotten.

When the plane landed, the children could hardly believe their eyes! Everything outside was white! Everything - the ground, the buildings, the cars - was covered in a layer of white powder! The young mother explained that this was called snow. The children were mesmorized. They had seen snow in their morning cartoons and have heard adults talk about it before but they had never seen it with their own eyes. After picking up their luggage, the woman had a big frown on her face as they went up the escalator. The children wondered if they had done something to upset their mother. They were known repeatedly for doing so. Suddenly they heard banging through the windows at the top of the escalator. The young woman breathed a sign of relieve and her frown was replaced with a big smile. The people banging on the windows were her cousin and her family. They had come to picked the little family up.

Hugs and laughter greated the three travellers. They had made it safely. The children were happy to see their cousins of the same age. After the long trip, the sisters were quite sick of each other, having fought numerously on the plane. As the two families left the airport, the children wondered what the next adventure for them would be. New objects and sights came at every turn. The young woman, although scared of starting a new life on her own and caring for her two young daughters, knew in her heart that no matter what difficulties they may face, they were in good company and in good hands. God had safely brought them to their new home and if she could survive that long flight with two squirmy children, she could tackle anything!

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It was sixteen years ago on this very date that the family of three took this long journey to begin a new life in a place far away from their home. A place covered in snow and freezing cold temperatures, a place where the two girls would grow up in and make new friends, a place that has thrown every curve ball it could at the young mother but in which, all she has overcomed. A place which they now love and call home.

It has been a long sixteen year. Many things have happened and have changed. The young mother, although still as headstrong and paranoid as ever!, has aged and does not believe she could make such a bold move anymore. Her two daughters have grown and could very well in the next few years, make a bold move of their own. Barbie's RV is stored away in a box somewhere in the basement. The driving set, although still loved by the girl, no longer works. The father has joined them and there's been numerous additions to the little family. A new daughter as well as beloved pets.

Who knows what lies ahead for this family. Only God knows. But one thing is for certain, the momentous day in which a young mother and her two daughters took a brave leap to Canada will be forever remembered and celebrated. And specifically this year, it will be celebrated at Swiss Chalet. Yummy!!