It was fear that brought us to this place so far away from home.
Fear of crime,
Fear of injury,
Fear of death.
It was fear that drove us to move away,
Far away,
From the imbalances that affect our country’s security.
It was fear for our children’s lives,
Fear for their future,
That drove us to fly across the world.
It was fear for our children that motivated us,
Each and every day,
To not give up.
To struggle.
To strive for that moment when
All we feel is hope.
Hope for the future.
Hope for the children.
And hope that it is not all in vain.
If you have missed any of my Migrating North posts, head on over here.
© Colline Kook-Chun, 2014
(This post was written for the FMF 31 day challenge hosted by Kate Motaung. Today’s prompt is: fear)
So do you think you have got away from fear?
We don’t have that sense of fear here that you would have had in the SA, but we do have a fear for our children, more so on the economic table, and what is happening and if there is a future for our children here. The future for young Australians in not good.
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We have the same fear here for our children as you do in Australia. It seems to be more and more difficult for graduates to find sustainable work.
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Colline, your series is amazing. The post today was probably not easy to write I’m guessing. I cannot imagine in any way that your migration would be in vain. Continued courage to you all, and loads of happiness.
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Thank you Angeline. Some of it has been difficult to write. I am hoping, though, that my thoughts and expressed feelings will be encouragement to some, and understanding to others.
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This is a wonderful series to share. It takes patience, courage, and commitment to go through…
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Thank you Amy. I am going to do my best to write on this topic for 31 days. I can only hope that I do not repeat myself 🙂
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So many people with young families have left South Africa for the same reasons that you did. I’m so glad it’s worked out for you, Colline. 🙂
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Thank you. I think we are fortunate to have had one another’s support.
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You are doing so well with this series Colline, I love how you have set this post in a poetic style, it enhances your prompt really well. 🙂
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Thank you Amanda. When I was writing this post, it seemed to suit the poetic style 🙂
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I feel with you and for you! You are really a strong person to survive all the ordeal and make decisions that in the end are the best ones for you and your family.
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Thank you Scrapy. I am in a much better place now thatn I was even five years ago.
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Good on you. Life goes on and why not make it better I you can?!
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I agree with you. Though sometimes it can be a bit difficult 🙂
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I’m an Australian who married and had children overseas but came back to Australia for what we believed would be a better life for our children. We still have frustrations and worries but if you’ve only ever lived here I don’t think you can understand just how lucky we are to have the kind of life we do. I still miss so much about “my other home” but our children don’t, this is their life. I understand your emotions, Colline.
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Thank you. Part of what I feel is because I have so many memories of South Africa – and had so many experiences there. We do not regret bringing our children over though as they are experiencing many things that we never had the opportunity to experience.
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Today you spoke of the motivation behind many immigrations, Colline. It is amazing the sacrifices parents will make to secure a better future for their children.
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That is true John – no matter where it is they decide to immigrate to.
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A very pertinent post Colline, many people are now starting to evaluate their lifestyle and location, with the changing scenarios around the world, its a sad indictment on global society in general.
The saddest part is that the people who are fearful the most, are the elderly, they cannot understand fear like today, as there was no need for everyday requirements to be alert.
Apart from the two World Wars, life went on and harmony reigned.
Really sad we now even consider our need for a home change due to fear.
Emu
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I agree with you Emu. Unlike before, fear has become a daily part of many people’s lives – especially for those who are most vulnerable in our society.
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I must start from the beginning but I did enjoy this. A dear friend of mine lived 20 years in SA and then it got too dangerous, moved to Brazil…then there too in Sao Paulo…I’m glad she moved to Toronto to raise her children…that is where I met her…we became friends quickly:)
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She is lucky that she was able to move away from not only one but two places where crime is rampant. Living in Toronto is a blessing indeed.
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