Living in Canada
Ikbale and her husband Sezai had never planned to leave Albania. Love of family, though, was too strong. Ikbale and Sezai came to Canada to help their daughter- even if it meant leaving their beloved home country of Albania.
Since arriving in Canada in 2001, adapting to their new life has presented difficulties that they had not anticipated. Ikbale is outgoing and enjoys meeting new people. She needs people around her to be happy. But she found that in Canada she missed her old childhood friends and family members. The lack of personal time and the many cultural and language barriers made it difficult even for outgoing Ikbale to make new friends.
Ikbale says that her first year in Canada was "dangerous" and difficult. She knew it could be too easy to fall into a life of boredom and isolation as an immigrant senior who did not speak English. Not one to simply sit around, Ikbale began taking English classes at a local immigrant settlement agency where her daughter had once volunteered. Ikbale attended classes whenever she was not looking after her granddaughters. At first, she didn't understand what the teacher was saying and almost gave up. But she kept going to her classes and studying. Over the next three years Ikbale’s English improved to the point where she was able to participate in many community activities and take care of daily tasks using her newly acquired English.
"Day-by-day, step-by-step."
Attending English classes and becoming part of a local immigrant seniors group gave Ikbale the confidence and opportunity to meet other people who were new to Canada. Slowly, Ikbale made friends with other seniors from China, Czech Republic, Ukraine, Russia and Canada. She has become an important part of the local community of immigrant seniors. These newfound friendships have given her the energy to tackle the more uncomfortable aspects of living in Canada and overcome the cultural isolation and loneliness.
Ikbale's husband Sezai has had his own unique challenges in adjusting to life in Canada. He prefers to spend most of his time at home. He has found a way to watch Albanian TV shows, news and movies over the Internet. This allows both of them to stay connected to their home country of Albania. Ikbale with her improving English and understanding of Canadian culture lovingly helps him, often acting as a bridge into their new life in Canada.
