My dear future kids,
Today I was clearing my drawers and found my old plane ticket for my first trip to Australia (18 April 2015). I look back at that time when I decided to take a leap of faith and applied for a student visa to Australia. I was 28, never been out of the country on my own and did not even know anyone in this foreign land. It was a one-way ticket to a completely different world, miles away from the comfort of home. I would say it was the greatest gamble of my life. Was I ready for it? No. But all I knew was I wanted to have a better life for us, and I needed to do something about it. I borrowed funds from my family so it's either I make it or I go back home with shame. And so I was determined that the second was not an option.
Fast forward, after seven years of a roller coaster ride of studying, hard work, more studying (was not the plan but I had to do my second bachelor!), pandemic (oh don’t get me started on this one), unemployment, survival mode, and here we are finally. I've received my Permanent Residency! What's even better, I have finally secured your future. Now you will be born to privilege as citizens of this country. I hope that you never take this for granted as this is a result of your mama's (literally) blood, sweat and lots of tears (more of the last actually).
What I have learned in the last seven years is that there is reward for taking risks, facing challenges head on, not listening to the naysayers and to keep pressing on even when you don't see results yet. There are no shortcuts to big endeavors. Just keep your eyes on the prize all the time.
It's also very important to choose the people you surround yourself with wisely. Find people who believe in you, those who will speak life into you when you are down. However, understand that these are people too with their own battles to face so do not expect them to carry your burdens for you, remember that you are your own army. Some people will actually help but some would not be able to, remember they also have their own battles (so don't feel bad) but they have words of wisdom to spare so take them, their words should be enough to help you keep going. Feed from their encouragements and let it fuel your fire. When you find yourself running low, go back to them and get some more. Some people pay for life coaching but if you're lucky to have wise friends and mentors then you are set for life.
Listen to counsel and accept discipline, that you may be wise the rest of your days. Many plans are in a man’s heart, but the counsel of the Lord will stand. Proverbs 19:20-21
The journey will take you to different heights, there will be highs and there will be lows. Praise God for all of them. The highs are good, they will make you bold and boost your confidence. But the lows, oh those are the best ones, they make you strong! That’s when you know God is actually working on you.
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. James 1:2-3
You will fall, you will break, you will stretch and you will need to go through all that so you can grow. So be thankful for those challenges. Trust the process.
Always believe that God has great plans for you. He will not abandon you and He will get you through the tough times. He is always good. In the highs and in the lows, He is good! So always thank Him. In the moments when you doubt yourself, that is the test, so keep pressing on. Remember that if it's not good yet, then it is not the end yet.
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28
When the time is right, I the Lord will make it happen. Isaiah 60:22
Indeed, He made it happen! I praise God who delivers His promises. This used to be only a dream and now we will live in it and it’s all because of Him!
I love you so much my Aussie babies, I will talk to you again soon!
Love,
Mama