Canada: Three meals a day and awesome technology

A deaf Bhutanese refugee tells Tom Spears about life in her new country

 By Tom Spears, The Ottawa Citizen

Pabi Rizal grew up in a refugee camp in Nepal, arriving in Canada three years ago at age 18. She is deaf and has learned English and western-style sign language together in her new country. She has two jobs and does volunteer work. The Citizen asked her about adjusting to life here; she took the questions through video conference with a signing interpreter and replied in writing:
Where did you live in Bhutan? And when did you arrive in Canada?
Born and lived in Dagana, Bhutan for first six months. Then moved to Beldangi 2 Refugee Camp in Nepal from 6 months old to 18 years old. I arrived in Canada on July 15th, 2009.
Do you remember the feeling of getting off the plane and seeing this country the first time?
Yes I remember — wow, big city in Toronto (airport) and then Ottawa on same day, many airplanes.
Why did you come to Canada instead of a different country?
UNHCR recommended my family to move to Canada. My parents accepted. (UNHCR is the United Nations agency for refugees.)
How difficult is it to live with a new culture? With new kinds of food and customs?
Breakfast and supper in Nepal comparing to Canada 3 meals a day. Nepal food is spicy with lots of vegetables, fruits and rice every day comparing to Canadian food and many snacks (I do not eat sweet snacks)
Have you ever seen a hockey game?
Yes, first time last March in Belleville with my school friends and staff to watch Belleville Bulls vs. Ottawa 67’s. Ottawa won
. I feel neat to know Canadian value — Ice Hockey
You have been learning English and sign language at the same time — please tell us about that.
It is important for me to acquire bilingual (written English — reading and writing AND American Sign Language — receptive through eyes and expressive by signing) because I am Deaf. My primary bilingual is written Nepali and Nepali Sign Language. Now 4 languages. I am proud to learn English and American Sign Language. I learned English and American Sign Language from LINC at St. Joseph’s Adult Education school in Ottawa for 22 months, then at Sir James Whitney School for the Deaf in Belleville 2011 to 2012 where I graduated last Friday.
Is it difficult to live in a city when you don’t speak the language? For instance, taking the bus, shopping for food, or trying to find directions?
No it is not difficult because I am always motivated to learn everyday for good experience. I can communicate by writing notes or use my BB (BlackBerry). I use interpreters for medical, community services, dentist, workshops.
Do you have friends here now?
Yes, I have many friends here in Ottawa and Belleville both hearing and Deaf. I am very happy.
What are some things that you like in Canada?
I like Canada — awesome technology (no technology at Nepali Refugee camp), Internet/emails, clean environment in Canada, quality services, quality education, friendly people
Are there things in Canada that still feel strange?
Oh yes, only weather and climate. I grew up in tropical climate. Here in Canada 4 seasons especially snow and cold, but I enjoy new experience. I have to wear all 4 season shoes comparing to bare feet and sandals at refugee camp.
Do you have a job?
Yes I work as clothing associate at Winners Kanata since October 2010 (part time). I am also freelance interpreter at Catholic Centre for Immigrants to interpret new Bhutanese/Nepali permanent residents in Ottawa area. I am also volunteer for Bhutanese/Nepali refugees who move to other provinces in Canada, USA, England, Australia/New Zealand, Denmark, Norway through video conferencing to support them for translation plans for their new lives.
What are you doing on Canada Day?
I will go to Parliament Hill on Canada Day with my family and friends. I am looking forward to being there.

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Source:The Ottawa Citizen