What I've learnt from 2 years living in Canada

Embracing Change, Growth, and Belonging

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Two Years in Canada: Embracing Change, Growth, and Belonging

Two years ago, we stood at the threshold of a brand-new adventure—stepping onto Canadian soil with wide-eyed curiosity and hearts full of anticipation. We had never visited this country, didn’t know its rhythms, its seasons, or its smallest details. Yet here we were, ready to begin an entirely new chapter. It’s a rare gift to find yourself in a place where every facet of your daily life is uncharted—where even simple things, like driving on the opposite side of the road or deciphering the meaning of “2% milk,” become tiny mysteries waiting to be solved. Moving to a new country is like opening a book whose first page you’ve never glimpsed—it’s all possibility, adventure, and uncertainty.

In those early months, the rush of newness was exhilarating, though it came with its challenges. The unfamiliar can feel like both a flood and a revelation. But over time, as the seasons shifted, the sharpness of the unfamiliar softened. The chaos of adjustment gave way to a steady rhythm, as foreign habits became familiar, and what once felt strange transformed into routine. It’s like the winter thawing into spring—the shift is gradual, but before you know it, you’ve settled into a new normal, finding beauty in the quiet comforts of familiarity.

Yet the real lesson we’ve learned in these two years isn’t just about adapting to new surroundings. It’s about relationships. If you truly want to test the strength of your bond with someone, leave behind everything you know and move to a new country. That’s exactly what we did—my wife, my son (who was only three at the time), and I, stepping into the unknown together.

The journey of settling in a new country has a way of stripping you down to the essentials. It forces you to find new ways of being, new ways of leaning on each other. It isn’t always easy. There are moments of frustration, moments of doubt, moments where the weight of uncertainty feels unbearable. And it’s in these moments that relationships are truly tested. If there are cracks in your bond, those cracks can quickly become fissures. Every small disagreement, every unspoken fear has the potential to widen them, pushing you further apart.

But if you are both grounded—if you are committed to the ‘why,’ to the shared purpose that brought you together in the first place—something incredible happens. You begin to find ways to navigate the challenges. Instead of allowing those cracks to widen, you mend them, reinforcing the foundation with resilience and understanding. You forge bonds that are stronger than ever before. For Prav and me, this journey has been a profound reminder of the strength we share. We’ve learned to lean on each other in ways we hadn’t before, to communicate more openly, and to support each other when the road gets tough.

It hasn’t been without its struggles. There were nights where we both wondered if we were in over our heads, where the weight of starting fresh in a foreign land felt almost too heavy to bear. But in those moments, we found each other. We remembered why we made this leap in the first place—for the chance to grow, for our son, Arian, for the belief that together, we could face anything. And through that commitment, the cracks began to fade, replaced by a bond that is stronger, deeper, and more enduring than before. I know Arian, even at such a young age, sees all of this. He may not fully understand it now, but these experiences will undoubtedly shape how he approaches life and relationships in the future. He’s watching us navigate this journey, learning what it means to persevere, to love, and to build something lasting.

I’ll never forget our arrival. It was late, past 11 p.m., and as we emerged from immigration, exhausted but hopeful, we were greeted by my core team and leadership team. They had come to welcome us despite the hour. I asked them why they had waited so late into the night, and their answer stayed with me: “Family doesn’t leave family at the airport.” That gesture made me feel, for the first time, that we weren’t just starting over—we were joining something bigger. Maya Angelou said, “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but they will never forget how you made them feel.” That night, they made me feel like I belonged. Microsoft Canada has become more than just a workplace; it’s a community, a family that’s deeply caring, and that’s why I feel so optimistic about the future here.

Beyond my work family, integrating into Canadian society has been an unexpected delight. Canada’s strength lies in its diversity. Every day, we encounter people from all walks of life, nationalities, and cultures, and rather than feeling like outsiders, we’ve always been welcomed with open arms. There’s a unique curiosity here—a willingness to embrace difference, to learn from it, and to build a deeper sense of community. This openness has made our transition smoother, and for that, I’m incredibly thankful.

Over the last two years, we’ve found friends who feel more like family—people who’ve supported us, and whose kindness has been pivotal in helping us create a home here. Those relationships have helped transform this once-foreign land into a place of belonging. And yet, as fulfilling as this new life is, we do miss the friendships and family we left behind in South Africa. The bonds we share with them are irreplaceable, and there are days when their absence is felt deeply.

A friend recently asked if I get homesick. My answer? I try not to think about life in terms of what’s missing but focus instead on the abundance around us. Here in Canada, I’ve come to appreciate the beauty of the changing seasons—each one bringing with it a new kind of magic, from the vibrant fall colors to the stark, peaceful winters. It’s a stark contrast to the seasons in South Africa, but equally awe-inspiring. And then there’s Thanksgiving—an entirely new tradition for us, but one we’ve embraced wholeheartedly. The gratitude, the gathering of loved ones, and the reflection on what truly matters—it’s a practice we’ve made our own.

Canada’s strength is in its abundance, and I’ve noticed that where basic needs are met and unemployment is low, crime is less prevalent, and generosity flourishes. People give more when they’re secure, and this culture of giving has made a deep impression on me.

But in all of this, I’ve come to appreciate South Africa even more. The natural beauty, the lessons learned, and the resilience it instilled in me have shaped who I am today. I carry that pride with me every day, striving to be an ambassador for my homeland in my own small way. I am proud to say that now, I am both South African and Canadian at heart. Moving here has been transformative—two years of growth, of discovery, of deepening love. While we don’t know how long this chapter will last, we’re savoring every moment, grateful for the journey, and excited for what’s to come.

In essence, moving to a new country is about embracing change, building relationships, and growing in ways you never imagined. It tests your patience, your adaptability, and the strength of your relationships. But if you stay open to the lessons it offers—if you lean into the discomfort, if you find beauty in the new rhythms of life—what you gain is not just a new place to live, but a deeper understanding of yourself and the world around you.