It took six years for a Filipino permanent resident to reunite her family in Canada. Ten years ago, she came to the country, like many other immigrants, to find a better future.

“When I just moved here, it was so difficult for me. There was a big cultural shock comparing it to back home and here,” said Nancy Andizo.

However, in the beginning, the biggest struggle she faced was coping with the loneliness.

“During my first week, it was so hard for me. Because when I was looking out by the window of my employer’s house. I couldn’t see any people outside, so I was thinking by that time that life was so lonely in here,” said Andizo.

However, the support of her friends and the hope of being able to bring her family in the future is what kept her going.

“Because of them,” said Andizo. “I told myself, life must go on.”

Finally, after six years of waiting, the Canadian government approved her application for permanent residency, together with her family, allowing them to come over and start a new life.

And just a month ago, Andizo took a step towards her next goal; She is starting a business.

Andizo collects parcels in Lethbridge before dropping them off in Calgary, avoiding the need for Filipinos living in Lethbridge to drive hours for their shipping needs.

At the moment, Andizo is trying her best to stabilize the business, hoping that it will provide a reliable income in the future.