A month ago, I got an email from T.J., a gentleman in Nambia, Africa who had a few questions about moving abroad. I write a lot of articles and blogs on travel and living in other countries, so he'd read one and reached out to me. T.J. took my advice, did some more research of his own, and has taken productive steps toward immigrating to Canada.
I wanted to share our email exchange with you. Why?
So you can see that he is a human being, not a headline. He is a regular person just striving for a better life, not a political issue. Hopefully, after you read this you'll see a real, live, human being when you hear the words "Africa" and "immigrant," and know that very soon we'll have a wonderful friend living in Canada. Some of what he said also shed a new light on the racial problems we have in the United States, particularly as the fires still smolder in Ferguson, Missouri.
T.J.'s most recent email to me is listed first, then my reply. Click here if you'd like to read our original correspondence.
Hi Norm,
I do apologize for the belated reply but I'm grateful for the information you sent me. I have done a bit of research concerning Canada and I love their diverse culture. The French people have always been more friendly towards people from Africa than any other European nation, as some blacks from the U.S immigrated to France after World War II where they didnt experience the lynchings, murders, tar and feathers there... they had it good and their presence is still felt in French and Canadian society to date.
I went as far as contacting the Canadian consulate here in Namibia and they provided me with a web link for people across the world who are interested in studying, working or relocating to Canada. The wonderful thing about the site is that they have Campbell Cohen, a Canadian Immigration law firm, assisting interested individuals concerning the ins and outs of Canadian Immigration Law. :-)
I had a constructive conversation with Mr. Cohen who was very helpful in explaining a few nitty gritty issues concerning my application, but we eventually sorted it out. With that said I have figured out the exact amount of money it will cost me to pay for my visa, work permit, air ticket and accomodation as to relocate to Toronto (a lovely melting pot.)
I have you to thank, brother man, so I'd like to thank you for all help in this. I will definetly keep you posted until I reach my destination in the not to far future.
Your brother and friend,
T.J. Negongo
***
My response:
Hello T.J.!
That is GREAT news! I know there will still be more work (and $) to go until this happens, but I am very excited for you! I think you are making a great decision with Canada. Too often I am ashamed at the racial problems in my own country. Well please do keep in touch and let me knows how it all goes and who knows - maybe one day I will be able to visit Canada and say hell to my new friend in person!
Take care my brother!
Norm
I wanted to share our email exchange with you. Why?
So you can see that he is a human being, not a headline. He is a regular person just striving for a better life, not a political issue. Hopefully, after you read this you'll see a real, live, human being when you hear the words "Africa" and "immigrant," and know that very soon we'll have a wonderful friend living in Canada. Some of what he said also shed a new light on the racial problems we have in the United States, particularly as the fires still smolder in Ferguson, Missouri.
T.J.'s most recent email to me is listed first, then my reply. Click here if you'd like to read our original correspondence.
Hi Norm,
I do apologize for the belated reply but I'm grateful for the information you sent me. I have done a bit of research concerning Canada and I love their diverse culture. The French people have always been more friendly towards people from Africa than any other European nation, as some blacks from the U.S immigrated to France after World War II where they didnt experience the lynchings, murders, tar and feathers there... they had it good and their presence is still felt in French and Canadian society to date.
I went as far as contacting the Canadian consulate here in Namibia and they provided me with a web link for people across the world who are interested in studying, working or relocating to Canada. The wonderful thing about the site is that they have Campbell Cohen, a Canadian Immigration law firm, assisting interested individuals concerning the ins and outs of Canadian Immigration Law. :-)
I had a constructive conversation with Mr. Cohen who was very helpful in explaining a few nitty gritty issues concerning my application, but we eventually sorted it out. With that said I have figured out the exact amount of money it will cost me to pay for my visa, work permit, air ticket and accomodation as to relocate to Toronto (a lovely melting pot.)
I have you to thank, brother man, so I'd like to thank you for all help in this. I will definetly keep you posted until I reach my destination in the not to far future.
Your brother and friend,
T.J. Negongo
***
My response:
Hello T.J.!
That is GREAT news! I know there will still be more work (and $) to go until this happens, but I am very excited for you! I think you are making a great decision with Canada. Too often I am ashamed at the racial problems in my own country. Well please do keep in touch and let me knows how it all goes and who knows - maybe one day I will be able to visit Canada and say hell to my new friend in person!
Take care my brother!
Norm
RSS Feed