Nearing the End!

When I started my job here in Toronto early February, I had only expected to stay for seven months!

My first week, hiding up in the bluffs.

Starting April, I didn't think I was going to last seven months!

Rescued bunnies, and the boys adjusting was a challenge!

Then I started jiu jitsu and wanted to stay forever!

But now I'm two weeks away from being done, and I can't tell you how strange a feeling this is for me! I've been here ten months! Ten months in the same area, in the same house (minus the summer), living my life along side the same people. The boys haven't even lived here as long as I! It's a familiar feeling packing away my things. After all, I've moved about fifteen times in my life! Its only been a few times that I have been sad to leave though, and this is one of those times!

Their second day in Canada at the Raptors game!

Hiking

At the aquarium

Their first Canadian Christmas!

 Jiu jitsu is probably the saddest thing I've had to say goodbye to so far! I spent pretty much ever spare minute I could at this gym. The coach and the gym atmosphere were amazing! The members at the gym became like family to me! I enjoyed this sport so much, I would literally end up doing arm bars in my dreams! You could say I was a little addicted!

Rolling with a friend (photo creds: Jun)

It was hard to train the last few weeks, because of a muscle injury and strep throat. My last day the strep throat effects were gone though, and my muscle injury didn't hurt too much! I had a great last two classes, got in a few rolls, had some sad goodbyes, and got my second stripe! 

2nd stripe photo.

It was great training with all of you at SBG and I hope to see you all again someday!

The other part of my life I'm sad to leave is the family! Today at dinner the eldest boy said, "Jinta, I love you so much! I don't want you to leave!" I almost choked up as he said it! I've been with the boys since their start in this country! Its been amazing observing them grow and develop over the years. I'm going to miss them so much! 

Dressed in their Star Wars day outfits!

 Then of course the pets, and my bedroom. After living ten months in this wonderful basement, I am going to miss the hot showers, the queen sized bed, all the luxury I've had! I'm afraid its made me a little soft! lol. I'm sure Africa will toughen me up again! 

The comfiest bed in the world!

And of course the pets! I get so attached to animals! The German Shepherd and I grew really close! Probably, because we had the hardest time bonding, but now that we are bonded, its very strong!

I can't say I will miss the city! I still hate the air, the water, the atmosphere in general. Although, I might miss the public transit, because now I'm going to have to force myself to get a drivers license! 

 Still, I've learned a lot from living here! I challenged myself, and I feel its made me a better person! I've realised that as much as I enjoyed being a nanny, I don't think I would be satisfied doing it as a career. At jiu jitsu I learned how to stay calm in stressful situations, how to problem solve, and developed more empathy. Because of this, and just navigating this city in general, I feel much more confident in myself! I think this is what I am going to take away the most from living here! Self Confidence!

Three more days as a nanny to go, then I spend my last week in the GTA at the farm! I will post about that next!