WHY DO YOU WANT TO COME TO CANADA?

For some reason, interest in Canada as a preferred immigration destination has increased and continues to gain momentum. Previously, USA seemed to be a more desirable place for most people. That is not to say that UK, France, Germany, Australia, Italy are not hot spots. Perhaps I should add Japan and Russia to make it seem like the G8 except for Australia. Actually, the most popular destinations are USA, Canada, UK, France and Australia. However, USA had retained the # 1 position for decades. This may still hold sway but that is not the focus of this post. We are interested in knowing why there is a noticeable increase in world population who favor Canada and are looking to come here.

Why Canada?

There are several reasons why people want to come live in Canada. We can only mention a few. Firstly, Canada is sooooo beautiful! So much unpolluted land space, amazing scenery. Driving from one location to another in the same province, the forests, mountains, lakes, brooks, rivers, creeks and of the course the ocean you pass are incredible. Who wouldn't like to live in such a place? Also, Canadians are very nice people. Everywhere, people are friendly, kind, helpful. You would hardly hear anyone raise their voice. Even if a bus is an hour late, no one shows their frustration. If a passenger decides to mention it to the driver, it is done in a positive, supportive way. Drivers and passengers are very respectful of one another. I like the customary greeting "Hi" exchanged and then "Thank you" from the passenger when alighting from the bus. It is a civilized, ordered society. Who wouldn't love to live here? I love Canada and I certainly do love living in Canada!

There are many other reasons why people around the world love Canada. It's a great place to raise kids; it's peaceful and beautiful.

Do you love Canada? What are your reasons? Let's hear from you!

Love and peace to y'all!!!

Should I hire an immigration agent?

This is a question most people ask themselves sometime before and/or during their immigration application.

It is common knowledge that many people spend unbelievable amount of money on agent fees. They hire agents - some dubious - who promise to do the impossible: get their immigration application to Canada approved fast, find them jobs immediately and get them to Canada without waste of time or simply to complete the application forms correctly.

Speaking from experience, I'd like to assure you that the forms and instructions are straight-forward. You can fill them out yourself. I did for me and my family and we are now permanent residents in Canada. And did I mention that hiring an agent never crossed our minds? It didn't. We were saving all our money for the move to Canada. It is clearly stated on the CIC website that hiring an agent is your choice but it will not influence the processing time. Each application is queued once received. It is an orderly and fair process. You are made aware of possible errors that can disqualify or delay your application. All you need do is carefully and patiently complete the forms (lots of forms :); I know!). Then go over them a couple of times to be sure there are no mistakes.

What do I think about using an agent? You already know from the preceding paragraph. If, however, you are convinced of the need to employ the services of an immigration agent and you can afford it, be sure to hire one with integrity. There are many agents in good standing and there are many fraudulent ones as well.

Good luck on your quest to immigrate to Canada. It is one of the few best places on earth. The effort and wait that go into the whole process are absolutely worth it!

A NEW DAY...A NEW CHAPTER..A NEW BOOK

Today marks a new phase in my blogging exploits - a turning point of sorts. It is the beginning of a major shift in my blogging focus. A shift from random blogging on random topics to specific blogging on interesting, informative topics about Canada and Nigeria.

Nigerians like Canada and Canadians. These days, instead of the "American Dream", the educated, skilled Nigerians considering immigration think of the "Canadian Dream". It may look far-fetched and unrealizable, but it is straight-forward and achievable if CIC instructions are followed to the letter. It may be a road marked with diverse challenges but it is absolutely worth it. 

 We'll be talking a lot about immigration, sports, career, culture, education, politics, literature, leisure and everything else that catches our attention. It's all about Canada and Nigeria :).

Our goal is to inform, educate and entertain.

Welcome on board! Keep reading and sending your feedback and questions.

Can we achieve perfection?

Aim at perfection in everything, though in most things it is unattainable. However, they who aim at it, and persevere, will come much nearer to it than those whose laziness and despondency make them give it up as unattainable.

                      - Lord Chesterfield

I have heard people talk about cooking a perfect meal. Yet, someone who makes an excellent scalloped potatoes today might follow same recipe next time but not get it perfect. You may be good at making perfect egg omelette but occasionally it won't turn out perfect - that's for sure. So, can we attain perfection in anything as human beings with flaws? As we strive to overcome our weaknesses, can we get to a point when we can say we have attained perfection of sorts?

To my mind, perfection is something we work towards and keep acquiring gradually. It's like life-long learning, a continuous, lifelong process. As a woman of faith, my perfection is absolute only through the Lord. 

There are several areas of our lives that we seek improvement. I have goals to become a better writer. I want to be a better cook even though I am a good cook. I want to be a better person, mother, friend, worker, christian. I want to be better than I am presently . Will I ever get to a point when I feel I have become perfect at any of these? I don't think so. I believe that there is always room for improvement. It's not like human biological growth: you can choose to be stunted, stop growing or  continue growing for life. We can set goals that will help us keep climbing the ladder, making progress towards perfection.

Have a great week y'all! 

Unpredictable

Summer Solstice 2012 is the longest day of the year - that's today June 21, 2012. Since summer has already started, you'd think it would be warmer; but not yet. In fact, it's rainy and cool....  Nonetheless, summer is here and it rains in summer here. The weather has been 'acting out' for several months now but then that is nothing new in Victoria, BC. It's an accepted fact that you could experience snow, rain and sunshine within minutes of one another in the same day.

What else is unpredictable at the moment? I would say the games at the EURO 2012. It's quarter final stage and therefore elimination stage of the tournament and you can't rule out some upsets. Today Portugal moved to the semi-final stage by beating Czech Republic 1:0. That was predictable although no team is a walk-over at this stage.

The world is full of uncertainties and if we fixed our focus on the challenges, we'll find the weight unbearable. God's love is constant and we can lean on Him because He will never fail us. Learning to keep our eyes on Him and standing on His promises ensure peace of mind. It's not an easy lifestyle or attitude when you are facing challenges but we can ask for His grace, peace, joy (and stength). It's always available.

Hope you have a great weekend!

Back in full force

Hi there!

I am back and in full force. It's been over two years since I lasted posted here and I know I have to start building my readership again. I'm just glad to be back on the beat and my apologies for the 'sabbatical'.

You may be asking "What's up?".... Lots and lots more... victories, challenges, relocations from Botswana to the Marshall Islands and finally Canada, aspects of career change, travels, and so on. I won't be elaborating on these yet but suffice it to say that it's all good and I'm here to stay.

Here are some pics taken on my recent trips to various places in BC (e.g. Salt Spring, West Coast) for your entertainment.

Back on the beat!

Hi guys,

It's been 3 months since I last posted a blog. To all my followers, I apologize for the long silence. My only excuse is that I have been so busy moving to a new location and getting settled in that I forgot about everything else. The move from Botswana to Marshall Islands was as memorable as it was hectic. It took us three days to get to our destination. We travelled from airport to airport, from country to country.... I must confess, it was more fun than it was hectic.

Getting to my new job, I had to get orientated to my new academic environment - new students, new courses, etc. The pressure is down but there's so much to do.

I'm glad to be back on the beat and promise to keep you posted on my itenerary and activities.

Cheers.