🍁 Almost There: The Journey to Canada and Everything It Took

If I could name this chapter of my life, I’d call it:

“The Waiting Season That Built Me.”

You know that moment in a story when the main character is nearly at the finish line but every step feels like it's uphill, heavy, and uncertain? That’s been my experience with our Canada application journey. A mix of anticipation, frustration, breakthroughs, and faith.

Now that we’ve finally reached the final stage, I can breathe a little deeper, smile a little wider, and reflect with pride on just how far we’ve come.

Let me share with you our story. Raw, real, and full of lessons for anyone walking through a season of becoming.

🇨🇦 The Dream That Started It All

When I first dreamed of moving to Canada, it wasn’t just for me. It was for us for me and Elaiza Joy, for our future, our growth, and the life we envisioned. It wasn’t just about a place. It was about a fresh start, a bold move, and a commitment to become the best version of ourselves.

I got accepted into the International Business University in Toronto for the MBA - Global Business Management program, starting Summer 2025. That acceptance letter? It felt like a door cracked open. A green light from the universe whispering, "Go for it." 

But what no one tells you about chasing big dreams is how challenging the in-between really is.

🔍 The Battle With Requirements: Paperwork, Pressure, and Perseverance

From gathering financial documents, filling out forms, requesting letters, to ensuring every detail aligned with the immigration standards. It was like running through an obstacle course blindfolded.

There were nights when I’d sit in front of my laptop, feeling defeated. A missing paper here, a system error there, delayed responses, or unexpected clarifications. Every step forward felt like a test of patience. And honestly? Some days I cried. Some days I wanted to pause. But I never quit.

Elaiza and I kept going.

We worked on everything together. From writing letters of explanation to double-checking our ties to home country documents, we poured hours into perfecting each requirement. We dealt with confusion, doubts, and the weight of timelines.

But somehow, each time we felt overwhelmed, we reminded ourselves:

“This is temporary. Our future is worth it.”

✈️ Next Stop: Cebu for the Final Step

And now, here we are finally set to fly to Cebu this May 26.
Together, Elaiza and I will take this next step in faith and full surrender. Our flight is already booked. The purpose? Something monumental.

We'll be opening our bank account and signing the final set of documents with our trusted agency, Smartvisa Consultancy, Inc. After that, they’ll officially lodge our documents to the Canadian Embassy for the Student Visa and Open Work Permit application.

It feels surreal just writing that. We’re almost there.
We’re not just preparing documents anymore. We’re preparing ourselves for the life we’ve prayed for.

Hoping for a smooth process and a positive outcome, not just for the sake of approval, but for the future we are about to build together as partners, as dreamers, and as co-authors of our shared story.

🧠 What I Learned in the Process

This journey wasn’t just about getting to Canada. It was about becoming someone capable of navigating adversity with grace. And here are some powerful things I learned along the way:

• Clarity doesn’t always come first. Sometimes, you have to act in faith and figure it out as you go.

• Asking for help isn’t weakness. We connected with advisors, read guides, watched vlogs, and talked to others who’ve been through the process.

• Your emotions are valid. This journey will stretch you emotionally, financially, and mentally. Don’t ignore your feelings.

• Discipline > motivation. Motivation fades. Discipline shows up on the days you don’t feel like doing anything.

💬 Advice to Fellow Dreamers Applying Abroad

If you're in the middle of your own application whether it’s for school, a visa, a job, or a major life change. Here’s what I want you to remember:

1. Stay organized. Create a checklist. Track your documents. Know your deadlines.

2. Start early. Give yourself enough time to gather everything, fix mistakes, and breathe.

3. Believe in your worth. You’re not “just applying.” You’re claiming a bigger life.

4. Lean on your people. Let others support you emotionally. Don’t carry it all alone.

5. Rest when needed. Burnout helps no one. Take breaks. Refill your cup.

💡 Key Point:

“The waiting season isn’t wasted. It’s where you become who you need to be for what you’re about to receive.”

🥹 Reaching the Final Stage: A Quiet, Powerful Victory

Now that we’re in the final stage of our application, the air feels lighter. We’re waiting for the final confirmations, tying the last loose ends. And although the next steps still carry weight, there’s something sacred about reaching this point. Because now we know:

We made it through the hard parts.
We didn’t give up.
We grew.
We learned.
We became stronger.

I’m so proud of how we handled this. Not perfectly, but faithfully.
And I’m thankful that I get to do this with someone like Elaiza by my side.

✨ Family, Faith, and Forward Movement

I owe so much to the people who supported me along the way. My parents who prayed with us. My uncle who gave us advice. My friends who listened to my mini breakdowns. My clients who supported my dream while I balanced work with deadlines.

Most of all, I owe it to faith. Because every time I didn’t know what would happen next, I simply whispered, “Lord, guide us.” And He always did.

“It always seems impossible until it’s done.”

— Nelson Mandela

💖 Closing Thoughts: You Are Capable of More Than You Think

If you’re reading this and standing at the edge of your own big leap keep going. You might be tired. You might feel unsure. You might be afraid. But those things do not define your ability.

You are capable. You are worthy. You are becoming.

One day soon, you’ll look back just like I am now and smile at the person you were when this all started. The one who didn’t give up.

Here’s to new beginnings.
Here’s to our future in Canada. 🍁
And here’s to every dream that demands growth before arrival.

You’ve got this. And so do I. 💫