Moving Out of Canada
Cattytude is taking a step out of the norm. Instead of talking about cats and wildlife, we're going to talk about a situation that's happening in my home country of Canada. As the concerns of this nation continue to skyrocket, along with the cost of living and other seemingly lunatic political policies, so is the growing desire among many Canadians to "get out of Dodge" before it's too late.
Will Moving Out of Canada Help?
Speaking on a personal note, I know picking up and moving from one location to another in an attempt to flee an uncomfortable situation is not always the best answer.
I did this a few times myself. I did this when I moved from Edmonton to central Alberta, then to Calgary. I did this right after my father died in 1993. I fled because I wanted to go to new territory in what I thought would be a fresh start.
It was a new start, alright, but it also met with a flurry of challenges. Even at 23-years-old, I hadn't quite grown up as much as I thought. The rebellious kid that got me into so much trouble was still there, and it was more spiteful than ever.
I didn't stay in the Red Deer region for long. In my stupid little head, I was hell-bent on moving to Calgary. I made the move and stayed in that city for 5 years. Then I moved back to Edmonton in 1998.
I didn't stay in Edmonton for very long. In 2003, I fled to Newfoundland because, once again, I had it in my head that I needed to be somewhere else for a fresh new start. That move was disastrous. I stayed only for a few extremely painful months before bouncing back to Edmonton.
Personal Reality Check
While in Edmonton during this round, that's when the real growing up began. I met with so many realities I tried desperately to escape. Doing so forced me to take a good look at who I was, and it was a reality check I didn't like at all. But it was necessary. This was the first time in my life I actually slowed down just enough for the Holy Spirit himself to get in my face and simply ask, "Are you willing to surrender now?"
I did. Sorta. Anybody claiming to be Christian needs to meet that one stark reality: surrendering to Christ is only the first stage of your spiritual transformation. The next step is actually much harder. You need to learn who Christ really is, as well as what his connection is to God and the Holy Spirit. Doing so requires picking up that Holy Bible and reading it from cover to cover. It's not easy, but it is necessary.
Big Bible Debate
I also learned at that time that each English version of that bible doesn't 100% agree with the others. Which one is the most accurate? Before dwelling on that, just get to know God's Word first. I attempted the KJV at first (when I was a preteen), and I just couldn't do it. When I finally decided to "grow up" in 2008, I went with NKJV, then English Standard, then Gideon, and finally back to KJV. Now I'm going through the English translation of the Ethiopian Bible (which I accessed for free online instead of the FB scams going on right now).
The Buchanan Move
When I moved to Buchanan in 2008, it was right after my best friend died. Was I fleeing from my past again at that time? No. This time, it was different. However, even after the move, I knew I still had considerable growing up to do.
The move from noisy Edmonton to quiet Buchanan helped me do that. I didn't make it easy, though. I still carried the weight of "Old Millie" with me, and that was problematic until probably 2015. But that's another story for another time.
The point I'm making here is that escaping from one demographic to another needs to be done with a clear head. I didn't do that in 1993, 1998, or 2003. All those attempts to escape what I thought were intolerable conditions failed because I based my moves on raw emotion instead of sensibility.
Oh, Canada!
Canada has become a nation of horrors, but the blame doesn't fall squarely on the shoulders of our badly broken political system. It falls on the apathetic and the deceived. This is the case with all nations, including the United States.
When the Bible states "whole world deceived," that's not an overstatement. It's total truth. Too many believe what mainstream media tells them without realizing they're a huge part of the problem. Too many believe the politicians, regardless of which party they represent. And too many believe whatever graces their social media pages.
Because of this, not nearly enough people pay attention to the only truth that's been there all along - God's.
I'd love to move, but there's not a spot on this planet that's truly 100% safe from the evils that are so bent on destroying everything they touch. This world is destined to be destroyed. Not a single nation will survive what's coming.
And, besides, I firmly believe I'm in Buchanan for a reason. It really hasn't been since moving to Buchanan that my eyes finally got opened and I'm finally paying attention. (Still not easy, as I have classic Bonehead Syndrome.)
What About USA?
The United States may seem tempting to many as Canada continues to self-destruct. However, how long will the so-called freest nation on earth remain that way? Before Donald Trump, the US was so close to becoming even worse than Canada (and the EU) is now.
Since Trump, has that really changed much? It may appear so for some, but we're still being deceived. Like Trump or not, he's just a guy. Granted, the president of the United States, but he's just a guy.
What happens after him? When we had Stephen Harper as the Canadian prime minister, he was trying to steer this nation in a better direction. Most of us (myself included) didn't see it at the time. Since Harper, Canada has spiralled downward so fast into the abyss that I know, without doubt, it has no chance to bounce back to the nation it once was. It's actually going to get much worse before it gets better. Every nation is facing this reality, including the US.
In conclusion, moving from one demographic to another needs to be done with a clear head. Aside from knowing where you're going physically, do you know where you're going spiritually? If both questions can't be answered, then packing up for the sake of fleeing might be a decision that requires a bit more discernment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is moving out of Canada necessarily the answer?
Moving to another country can change your circumstances, but it doesn't automatically solve every problem. A major move should be considered carefully rather than made purely from frustration, fear, or the desire to escape.
Can moving to another place really provide a fresh start?
A change of location can provide new surroundings and opportunities, but personal struggles and unresolved issues can follow you. A fresh start involves more than simply changing your address.
What should I consider before leaving Canada?
Consider where you are going, why you are leaving, how you will support yourself, what challenges you may encounter, and whether you're making the decision from careful thought rather than emotion.
Is the United States necessarily a better place to live?
That depends on the individual and what they value. The United States has its own political, economic, social, and personal challenges, just as Canada does. Moving there doesn't guarantee that life will be easier.
What does the Bible say about making major life decisions?
Scripture repeatedly emphasizes seeking wisdom, trusting God, examining our ways, and allowing God to direct our paths. A major physical move can therefore involve spiritual discernment as well as practical planning.
Can Christians want to leave their country?
Christians can certainly find themselves dissatisfied with their circumstances or desire to live somewhere else. The larger question is whether the decision is being made thoughtfully and prayerfully rather than assuming that another location will solve everything.
Does changing countries solve spiritual problems?
No. Changing countries changes your physical surroundings, not your relationship with God. Spiritual growth requires dealing with the heart, seeking God's truth, and surrendering to Christ wherever you live.
Where can Canadians look for legitimate U.S. employment opportunities?
The U.S. Department of Labor maintains SeasonalJobs.dol.gov, an official employment database that includes opportunities available to foreign workers under qualifying programs. It can be useful for Canadians researching potential U.S. employment opportunities, although finding a listing does not itself provide authorization to live or work in the United States.
Resources (If You're Serious About Moving)
U.S. Department of Labor SeasonalJobs.dol.gov — Official U.S. government database for temporary and seasonal employment opportunities, including restaurant, landscaping, groundskeeping, and other positions.
SeasonalJobs.dol.gov About and Application Information — Explains how to search and apply for jobs listed through the Department of Labor's seasonal employment system.
U.S. Department of State Employment Visas — Official information about U.S. employment-based and temporary worker visa categories.
U.S. Department of State Employment-Based Immigrant Visas — Information about employment-based immigration, including the EB-3 category for qualifying skilled workers, professionals, and other workers.
U.S. Department of State Immigration Information — Overview of U.S. immigration categories, including family-based and employment-based immigration.
U.S. Department of State Information for Canadian Citizens — Official information specifically addressing U.S. travel and visa requirements for Canadian citizens.
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