What is home….?

Transcribed story
 
"What is Home....?"
from Egypt

In 1996, my parents made a life-altering decision to move to Canada in search of a better life and more opportunities. My father's ambition for a brighter future led us to leave behind our established life for the unknown. Little did we know that this transition would be one of the most challenging and transformative experiences of our lives. The early days in Canada were marked by profound struggle as my parents worked tirelessly to establish themselves in this unfamiliar environment. Witnessing their resilience in the face of adversity was humbling. They grappled with building social networks, finding employment, and securing suitable housing, all in a place vastly different from what we had known before.

I was about 20 years old at the time, still discovering my own path and purpose in life. I hadn't fully grasped my identity yet, but I was making progress. What added complexity was witnessing my parents' struggles with their own identities in this new and foreign land they had chosen. Amidst these challenges, I chose to return to the Middle East, specifically Egypt, where I was in my third year of university. The pull of my homeland, or what I considered as such at the time, was strong, and I needed to navigate my own journey of self-discovery.

Throughout my life, I never truly had a place I could confidently call "home." My roots traced back to Egypt, where my parents hailed from and where I was born. However, at just two months old, my mother took me to Kuwait, where our family resided at the time. Growing up in a milieu of diverse cultures and nationalities, I found it challenging to define what "home" meant to me. While many people proudly proclaimed their home countries, I hesitated, as numerous countries came to mind, none of which I could unequivocally call home. When I started a family with my husband, I was determined to provide my children with a place they could wholeheartedly identify as home. Several years after my parents had settled in Toronto, I joined them, hoping to create a lasting home for my own family. My dream was that my children would grow up saying, "Canada is my home."

Yet, even after two decades in Canada, I find myself questioning whether it truly feels like home. I cherish many aspects of this country-the warmth of my neighbors, the sense of community in my neighborhood, and the 20 years I've spent in Burlington, Ontario. It has been an ideal environment to raise a family and connect with others. Nonetheless, I grapple with the feeling that Canada might not fully embrace me as I have. I have a deep appreciation for this country, I wonder if it reciprocates the sentiment. I yearn for a sense of belonging and I contemplate whether "home" is a concept tied to a specific place at all.

My challenges in Canada haven't been primarily about cultural differences; I'm comfortable in diverse communities. Instead, my struggle has been for acceptance, inclusion, and meaningful opportunities in Canadian society. Finding suitable employment matching my skills and potential has been tough. So, I've focused on advocating for economic inclusion, striving to welcome newcomers. I've felt closest to home in places where I was welcomed and given a chance to contribute. This journey has been about self-discovery and resilience. It's been a journey to define "home." Despite the challenges, I continue to work towards a more inclusive and welcoming Canada, hoping it will truly feel like home for all who choose it.