I cleaned toilets in Canada for years despite my degree, life abroad is not a joke | Lynn Ngugi TV 

From Chika💛 Thank you so much everyone for your kind words. Thank you Lynn Ngugi for this opportunity accorded to me. May God bless you and your team. Just wanted to answer a few questions I saw. First, this is my personal life story, it does NOT mean this will be the same case for you or others. If you get an opportunity to immigrate to Canada, take it. Ensure to make an informed decision that is best for you. Remember, the grass is GREENER where you water it. Second, many of you have reached out to me saying you are going through some mental health challenges, I strongly recommend that you seek professional help. Please reach out and talk to someone. We still need you here. I pray that God preserves you in whatever storm you are facing. Lastly, I am not able to sponsor or invite anyone to Canada. If you would like to contact me or get my hair products/hair coaching services, my details are: Instagram page: @okerekechika Email address: lorrychika@gmail.com

Been in Europe for 27 years and when Covid struck I packed and moved back home 🇰🇪 from flight attendant and a law student, now am a hydroponics farmer In Bondo, and yes life abroad is no joke but now I feel freedom living on my farm and not missing the rat race, racism, feeling in adequate and not worthwhile. ❤️ lynn

I love what your guest has said, you never know who you will meet.I finished college as a young woman,didn't get a job and started working as helper in a dental clinic, washing toilets, sterilisation, messenger, washing the patient bibs it was a very filthy job. God brought a young dentist to do some part time there and he fell in love with me as I was working faithfully in my job as I was waiting for TSC to absorb me as a qualified teacher. Long Story short, we got married in our 20s and we have built our lives beautifully together now 15 years. We thank God. Never despise the days of small beginnings says the Lord.

When you come to Canada study any course in the healthy system or hands on jobs like plumbing, welding these are good paying jobs. I was a banker back home when i came here i studied nursing and i will never regret coming to Canada. I am having good life with my family. I thank God for giving wisdom.

After listening to this lady, I now appreciate and love my husband even more. He has worked so hard in a very short time and we have achieved a lot, he has given up so much just to provide for us.

Hmmm people back home in Africa only call you when they want money. Their conversation goes straight to telling you their problems and all their problems need money to be solved. They never ask how you are or how you are coping in the foreign country, they don’t even want to listen to the hardships you are going through. Very selfish and uncaring people.They automatically think that we people in diaspora don’t have problems but the truth is most people back home have a more relaxed life compared to us in the diaspora. Talk about cleaning, I came to the UK when I was 18yrs and I worked in the meat factory. Very cold place and you have to pack that meat at a very fast speed otherwise you loose the job. I really struggled.Thank GOD I managed to go for further studies and I have a very good job now.

Lynn, this experience is relatable to more people than just Kenyans! This lady is speaking to many Africans abroad.

I live in a small town in lethbridge and kids from a comfortable backgrounds struggle alot they don't imagine cleaning or doing odd jobs. If you have lived in Kenya with your degree for four years without a job, you will appreciate every dollar you get. I love Canada, I will make it here!

Same story with me here, working as a maid in gulf. 4yrs in Lebanon but I thank God for this far and he's knowledgeable because this job has removed my family and I from grass to somewhere 🙏though sometimes I ask myself so many questions which I don't get answers

I love this. I'd advice anyone who wants to go abroad to listen to this experience; not to discourage you, but just to make sure that going abroad is what you want. I was so excited coming to canada until I landed and realised no one prepared me for what was ahead. Big up to Africans who diaspora has become their home. Anyone who has gone to diaspora and come back home is NOT a failure.

Being away from family members is the greatest challenge of living abroad; as things move very fast and adapting to the new lifestyle becomes a continuous challenge. Anyone willing to relocate first; should be mentally prepared, should have at least a degree or diploma with some work experience, and while in the foreign land try to upgrade your education and build networks that will take you back home.

This lady spoke the pure truth, life in Diaspora is not a bed of roses, there are so many challenges to deal with. Thanks for sharing, Lynn Ngugi thanks for featuring this lady in your platform.

Life abroad is tough but once you endure the first few years, things pay off. The culture shock is tough and also childhood traumas emerge and makes life hard but there is hope and more opportunities.

Been in Australia for the last 3.5 yrs and I haven't recovered from the culture shock and being a workholic to just meet the basics😭.For the first time in 2019 I fell into depression without the knowledge of it but God has been extremely faithful 🙏

She's really articulated the struggles of many of us out here in Diaspora..very well said

We don't choose which families to be born into and how those families raise us. So don't belittle her opinion or experiences. Let her be.

A queen is here to say as it is! Abroad life can shock you but once you adjust you are good to go! Such a beautiful queen ❤️

Thanks for another excellent interview! You and your guest are are two wonderful sisters. Living in any white country or any country that is not majority black (African) can be a big challenge, if not destructive to the psyche. The fact that a black person can survive the traumatic experiences and hold a family together in a foreign country or return to their native land in once piece, is something to celebrate. The West or even Asia is not all about the good life for Africans or people of African ancestry as many people think. The grass is not always greener in these societies. Even if some black people are succeeding in their careers or jobs, that alone is not the measure of a good life. The feeling of being a second class citizen or the feeling of not belonging can lead to a terrible existence. Actually, whether one is in their native country or a foreign country, economic success is just one index of success. Other measures are mental and physical health, having genuine and healthy relationships with family, friends colleagues and neighbours. And not last and not least, a feeling of being respected and treated fairly irrespective of your race or colour. I think that until Africans on the continent and those in the diaspora can develop their own countries economically and maintain a more robust and effective systems of governance and accountability, I guess there will always be the temptation or desire to seek greener grass in other countries even if they are merely tolerated, not welcomed.

Thanks Chike for highlighting our struggles abroad. The loneliness and the racism abroad is extensive.

As a kenyan living in Montreal, i understand a lot about what she is saying. Here is my personal observation. Many Kenyans struggle so hard to move abroad- the immigration journey is long and expensive and sometimes just down to luck. So when we succeed we think we have made it but in reality that is the begining of the hustle. So you should be prepared to work just as hard or even harder than you did back home. My friend always says if you were making it back home, then you have a better chance of making abroad but kama ilikuwa ngumu home moving abroad is not a magic trick to make your problems disappear. My second point- Preparation: Immigration is a huge project. You need to prepare well in advance. In Chiki's case, they should have learnt French, got in touch with people who are already living there, Just ask all the necessary questions...It goes a long way. When i moved i already spoke good french(even though i struggled a little at the begining because of the different accent), i had a few friends i had made before moving, i researched the school system, just general information about the people and the culture. I still had to struggle but the resaerch made it easier.

Jamani eeeh, as someone who is living abroad, ukipata chance ya kukuja huku, Kimbia ukuje. Life here is better compared to Kenya. I come in peace tafadhali.❤

As a registered nurse in America, life is no joke, no social life, a lot of mental issues affecting many here, too much burden from back home and just the need to protect yourself from mockery can take a toll on a you. Nothing comes east here, I totally relate to her story, she articulated herself so well and painted the true depiction of life in diaspora. Thank you Lynn for all you do

There's Dignity In Labour.... Nothing Wrong With Cleaning Toilet's....As Long As Bills Get Paid..... It's A Stepping Stone.

Tell them sister, people out there work day and night, some of the jobs you would never think of, but you do it to make ends meet, then you send the money back home to help your family and friends who really don't appreciate and misuse and even live a better life than you, then when you get tired and disappointed of helping people who don't want to help themselves, you become their enemy and they start saying unalinga, meanwhile all this time, you live in a shared accommodation with people you don't know as you cannot afford to rent a house by yourself and you do not real friends because you have no social life, sometimes you don't even know your neighbours, some sleep less than 6hours per night running between shifts and classes. So guys please respect hard earned cash sent by people in diaspora, it does not grow from trees. Some people remember their family members and friends only when they need cash, Please 🙏 guys form a habit of calling your people in abroad to genuinely know how they are doing, build a lasting relationship that is not based on cash. Thank you @LynnNgugi for giving her your platform to highlight this problem.

This interviewer is such a beautiful lady she is so respectful of her guest she provided her with a warm welcome and non judgemental setting that is like watching a family that is fill with love and care. The interviewee is humbled and wise. Her stories are like myself and so many of us living here in Canada, who have come and go. However; I realize the ways in which Canada operates may seems evil, but it is absolutely necessary. hence why it is a disciplinary country as it teaches us discipline. Or in other words to obey the rules and laws. Canada is a great place that will humble even the richest/most powerful. It's not easy especially starting out; and definitely doesn't help when you have a bad start because you didn't have any goals, overly ambitious, pride, not flexible/adaptable, and no support/friends and families here. But If you keep going and never give up you can become successful cause there lots of opportunities here. Stay connect to God and be open to receiving your blessings through people, places, and things.

Thanks for the Eye-opener, people always think living in abroad is easy.but the truth is nothing is easy

I currently live in canada and it's very true life is so hard, I remember I couldn't find a job when I first moved here and I had to do car wash 😫, for now I thank God as he has been faithful so far

Moving here is not easy. I can remember also being in high school in a small white town, the only african in the whole school. I wanted to give up everyday. I wanted to go back to Kenya so bad. It was hard adjusting.

Ppl don't have sense.Her family being rich does not make her less of a human.This is her story and experience.She has every right to share

This lady hit the nail on the head. Life in the diaspora is no joke. It can be so frustrating as to rendering someone suicidal

Thank you Chika for sharing your story and speaking things as they are here in abroad. From my experience,Here in Canada, if you have papers from Kenya or a new immigrant generally, its advisable to send them for assessment first by an international qualification assessment service. This will be a great boost on your resume if its equivalent to that obtained here coz some employers/recruiters are picky when it comes to candidates with foreign qualifications. Papers obtained in recognized institutions in Kenya for example UON are also recognized here.The trick comes in if you pursued a regulated course like Med, engineeering,law, some sciences, accounting etc.For these courses, all immigrants are required to sit for a Canadian examination first in order to get the proper lincensing required to practice. The exams are tough.Some do pass while others fail. Another alternative is for one to go back to school/ start from scratch. You can go back and pursue your course at lower level; a cert or diploma or take a different career path altogether. Another thing to note is that if you have work experience from home you will be better placed than another immigrant whose fresh from college. Having foreign papers with no work experience is quite challenging when starting off. If you have work experience and the course you pursued isnt regular you have higher chances of get a job but you still have to start somewhere, maybe volunteer or do any small job to give you Canadian Work expérience coz employers look at that too. Another big thing that helps alot in getting a better job in this country apart from having some sort of Canadian éducation and work experience is Recommendations. This tops the list of most recruiters. They will go first with the candidate that has been recommended to them by someone they know and trust. You may have a very good job application but if you dont someone working there or someone who knows someone you may end up never hearing from them no matter how qualified you are and no matter who many times you apply. So making connections is Key. Build your connections, show your presence on professional platforms, you may never know who will come across it. Do not spend so much time, year in year out trying to get a job with your foreign credentials.If they arent working for you, put them aside and go back to school if you can. For those coming in on student permits, their experience is way too different altogether

Sometimes living abroad is not easy and as rosy as it seems. It humbles you kabisa.. 😅

Am really impressed by this programme for allowing Africans (Kenyans in particular)at home to get a clear picture of what it's like to be African abroad,however there are many Afrcans living their dreams abroad despite the challenges.

Everything she said is absolutely true about Canada. I wish I had heard this sooner. You’re making difference by letting people know ahead of time about their challenges.

I'm originally from Somalia 🇸🇴 and I used to live in Kenya 🇰🇪. Those were happy days. Moved to Canada 🇨🇦 and had similar experience like this girl. It's true, it's not a joke

This is the reality people are facing abroad, we decide to come abroad in order to place our fate in our own hands. They call it getting out of the comfort zone.and what friends and family back home should know is that the money they think is freely given abroad is actually hard earned, so they better stop making enemies just because they can't extract money from people abroad

I love how articulate you were in this video, I live in the Uk and most black people are always regarded as 2nd hand objects, leaving in the western world is no joy when you are black, victimisation and systemic racism are leading! Parents determine who their children play with! Thanks for sharing I can relate 🤠

I am from South Africa and I live in Canada. This is my advice: If you want to come to Canada, try to get a degree while you are still in Africa. And when you arrive in Canada you can "upgrade" and study either Nursing or Social Work. Canada is always looking for Healthcare workers, and Canada as a Social welfare country, there is always jobs for Social workers. And both these programs you can start them at a local college by getting a certificate, diploma, and eventually a degree. While studying and when you keep getting these qualifications you can get a well paying job. It will be hard but it will be the best decision of your life. Even during the pandemic we in these two professions we continue to work. I always say these to anyone who wants to come to Canada. Why would Canada( or any country for that matter) want to take anyone who is is broke and has no education. I know it sounds harsh but try to improve yourself before you come over.

Hi Lynn! The guest has really put forward alot of truths especially about the expectations and perceptions of people back home regarding those upon us in diaspora. Through experience, this was a few things I personally did to balance out this: 1. Coming here is like being given a clean slate to write a life path you want ( honestly you get a platform to chat and achieve your path, you ought to plan and strategize, the government especially Canadian provides resources for that. 2. Be realistic and understand the fact that skills needed here to get you market ready is different from those at home and you will have to take a little course here and there in addition to your qualifications ( also get education equivalences for your papers)from back home to get you ready for the job 3. More realistic is the fact that you have to realize that you will have to get a job to get you by as you concurrently self improve in terms of skills and training. (The government has very resources to support newcomers integrate better and even provides free trainings in different fields) 4. Patience and knowing what you want and using the resources at your disposal will work perfectly to your advantage 5. Most importantly, be cognizant of the fact that the moment you left Kenya to abroad, most of the folks back home commoditized you, na hakuna kile utafanya. ( ps, 95% of calls/ contacts we receive from home have a price tag) 6. Please remove the social pressure you are getting by just telling people that whatever they are asking ( of course if it’s not a necessity or emergency) you will not provide, Be truthful to yourself and don’t create an impression that you have more than enough to cater for the outrageous demands of people when you actually are still working on yourself. Na sio lazima uoshe choo as a starting job! I have lived and schooled in the same city ( Montreal for 5 years now), it’s a bilingual place and with English you getby just fine. You not necessarily have to do unskilled labour only! With just KCSE cert yako you can work in customer service, administration and other jobs. But the determinant on how long you will stay doing this jobs is yourself!!! Sacrifice a year or two for school and you will never regret it! Ukweli aki ile pressure tunapewanga toka home ni mingi, they expect us to buy land and build skyscrapers every month ( punch line: tangu uende ni mwaka sasa na hujainvest bado, mtoto wa nanii alienda ni miezi tatu sasa na amesimamisha magorofa ya rental pale taoni) I will not bash those at home about that nortion because I too had the same impression before coming here. Equally, since we are making this our permanent home, we try to invest here too ni hayo tu kwa Leo. Mengi baadaye

She has really articulated our struggles....Well done.

I loved this story from the beginning to the end, i loved the way she told true not hiding anything, she's very simple down to earth. Miss Chika May God bless you and keep you and to you Lynn I always pray for you anytime I see you on TV or think about the good people I have ever seen or met with, God bless you.

Life abroad is definitely no joke. But with persistence, grit, resilience, and a little bit of wisdom, the sky is the limit. I also am African (from Ghana) living in Canada. I also took the loan and got that degree. I also worked odd jobs (including cleaning - everything, toilet included) after my degree. Fast forward 12 years down the line, I work for a great company in IT sales, and own my own business on the side - making great money! Thanks for sharing ur story, but all hope is not lost. There is always light at the end of the tunnel. If only you'd keep pushing!!! Have fun in Kenya, but hope to see you one day on the streets of Toronto (even if just for a visit). Cheers⚘

I live in Canada. I was lucky to immediately get an office job in the same career that I had in Kenya. At first the loneliness was the biggest problem but I went to an event where I bumped into two old schoolmates from Kenya who introduced me to other Kenyans and my life changed overnight. We meet together, eat Kenyan food, drink tea and so on. When you are in Canada, reach out to fellow Kenyans and build your own network to overcome isolation. It took me ten years to feel at home and now I just consider it like my second home. I am sorry for her experience but not all Kenyans are picking strawberries, actually many Kenyans I know have very good jobs in government etc. Go back to school and study and you will be okay eventually. Vumilia...

Lynn, this makes me very emotional watching. Everyone that lives abroad will agree with me . Once you move abroad you lose the siblings as if you don’t have anything to offer they don’t need you . The only time I get messages or calls from kenya is when school fees is needed or there is a harambee to build a church .

You should take nursing since day one, nursing is on demand and is a stable job in Canada and USA.

What profound statements she has made throughout this interview. She carries a lot of wisdom & discernment.

So proud of her for walking the walk, keeping Faith and attaining clarity. I do believe she will do amazing on this next chapter. Thanks Chika for highlighting the challenges abroad. Lynn, your just so warm😍

Chika, thanks so much and you have nailed it. That's the reality abroad, especially those few months and years. Some people abroad are keeping up appearances, instead of saying the truth to those back home. And some of these our people back home thinks that people abroad are picking money on the floor or plucking from trees, they don't call to check on you, only when they want something. When they call from home, they will ask you, how is work, instead of how are you? May the good Lord help, keep us and grant us our hearts desires, Amen. Lynn, thanks for bringing 'Chika' to come and share her story and educate others.

My story in canada, God bless u my sister, the loneliness in canada can cause mental illness and depression, and friends and family will not believe in Africa, everyone is asking for money. I ve a philippia guy in my work place , he is constantly down with depression, it's not just Africans alone, it's for immigrat

As a Black American , I appreciate this video so much. I go to Ghana , and I try to explain to people that it is better to get something started in Ghana if you have a comfortable lifestyle. People don’t know how hard it is in the West.

What message do you have for Chika?😊 To share your story, kindly send a summary to lynnngugi4@gmail.com or lynnngugishow@gmail.com for consideration. Thank you for watching💛

If you have a good job in Kenya, live here and just tour the different countries.

Came to Canada 2018. Learnt a lot culture shock is big time. With no or limited social life it’s difficult and mental health is real. Being away from family brings tears always

Good to see more and more diasporans speaking candidly about this issue hopefully more people will give it a good thought and reflection before relocation only when all else fails that they might think the grass is greener on the other side. It might be but it's not always the case. You can make a good life wherever you are.

I admire your resilience. No matter how much challenge life throws at you, never contemplate to give up. Lastly congratulations Lynn on your consistency. God bless you.

This is a very interesting interview and accurate assessment of what life is like for immigrants to cope and survive here in Canada. I am Canadian and was born here in Montreal....which may be the city where you live. I feel bad for you having gone through such a hard time. Our winters are 'bitterly cold' for about a month and just 'cold' for another 3 months. (Personally, I like it...for about 2 months then it's enough!) But for people with dark skin who are from sunny, hot countries it is especially hard on their health. You need to take large amounts of vitamin D (3000 IU at least) ...which by the way, all Canadians are advised to take throughout the winter. It does help with depression (Seasonal Affective Disorder). I helped and still do help a Rwandan asylum seeker financially with English courses and buying winter clothing, finding food basket depots, finding an apartment, setting him up for free psychological help for his PTSD due to abuse in Rwanda, finding a job and most of all helping with his legal issues to become a refugee. There are organizations like PRAIDA that help newcomers so no one is 'left out in the cold', so to speak. So I understand the roadblocks an African or any immigrant encounters trying to make it in our society. For those viewers who have watched this interview and who are considering applying to come to Canada: Degrees earned abroad are not usually recognized because educational standards are usually lower in other countries. And I was told by an African who studied medicine that it happens that one can bribe universities to accept them and even give them a passing grade. The best way to come to Canada is to be a young person and to apply to study here, preferably in a field where Canada needs workers. Then once you graduate, you have Canadian qualifications. Towards the end of the program, often students are offered an internship in a local company. They will usually hire them after their studies are completed. Canada needs young people to eventually support our older population. And Canada needs people who are prepared to work in menial jobs upon arrival or are prepared to study in fields where there are not enough skilled people. It is very expensive however for an immigrant coming to study. A way around this is to come and work at menial jobs and apply to become a landed immigrant which takes I believe 3 or 4 years and then studies cost no more than what a Canadian would pay...which is often free especially in the trades! I think it is wrong of Canada to accept only people with a higher education to come here when they will not be using that education. They will fill all the jobs such as hotel cleaning that Canadians don't want to do. What stands in the way of their ability to further themselves is often the language barrier which includes a strong foreign accent. When you deal with the public which is the case for most jobs, you need to be easily understood. My young Rwandan family friend works as an Uber driver but he is waiting for his acceptance as a refugee to study to work in the trades. Chika, I admire your courage and tenacity and I wish you all the very best!

But how can we paint life abroad with the one brush Okereke has? She said some amazing things here towards the end. Lynn, I would like to speak to you about a more positive experience of living abroad. I left Kenya for Canada (I'm Ugandan) to get married 9 years ago. I have a wife and 3 daughters all born here. My wife looks after our children at home as I go to work. I'm a mechanical engineer and have been employed for 6 years in a good job with full benefits. There are challenges around us everyday and in Canadian society. Nevertheless we thank God for the grace everyday and for the opportunity to live in this beautiful country.

Studied/worked in Europe for a while but decided to relocate back to Kenya. Truth is, we make it seem like abroad is heavenly!! The picture we paint back home makes people desire that life. BUT few will be candid and really tell you how hard life truly is. Imagine always being aware of your race (that’s something that you really don’t think about whilst in Kenya). The number of times people asked for “connections” to go abroad lol…I”m even seeing that on the comment section here! I remember swearing I’ll never live in Kenya again and even when I moved back, I struggle to really adjust. I’m doing far much better than I did whilst living in Europe

This was such a powerful message....just scrolling through RU-vid and found you. So happy I did.. .living in Chicago, USA.....Thank God for technology ❤

Working as a security guard in qatar but i really thank God for everything I can count my blessings through this job ,,,It's really hard especially summer time

That's Canada for you sis.Best place for your kind of job is here in Alberta dear one.Just my own thoughts.Been doing housekeeping for 8 years now.

Lynn I can identify been here in Australia for4yrs,having came from Kenya as a mature hassler,but the only beauty is you are able to put food on table and pay your bills and help back home.So many kenyans back home good education but tarmacking.I thank God.

Lynn I will send you an email, I am working in the gulf and I am yet to tell my story just to encourage someone out there cz working in a foreign land is not for the faint of heart. I thank God for this far.

Wow Lynne this was one of the best realities of majuu. One has to start humble, work like a slave. Take in some verbal and non verbal abuse to survive. The lady was on point with reality. Love from Philadephia Pennsylvania.

Chika is very sincere in this chat with Lynn, it is more challenging and demanding when one travels or stays abroad illegally. One’s status when in abroad will determine how fast and smooth the journey will be, the beauty is that things will eventually fall in place if one doesn’t give up or get distracted. The reasons blacks are treated like that is because the hosts knows home is no go back for most people, they don’t treat some nationals such ways because their country home is good and they are not here out of frustrations. I wish you all the best Chika.

Amazing interview on many levels. I watched it twice. I am 61 yr old born and raised in America and have never traveled outside but still could relate to her young life story with all the struggles and uncertainty; Life is difficult and she is an inspiration. I'm thankful for this platform where she is able to share experiences with depression, health issues, adversity and how she fortunately meet a good therapist, learned about the effects of trauma and gained insight. I was going through a great deal of adversity a few years ago when I met a young Kenyan over the internet, he asked me "How are you" and that is how our friendship began. He is amazing young man and if I ever get to travel abroad, I would like to go to Kenya and meet my spiritual son. Amazing.

My Dear Sisters (Lynn & Guest): Beautifully honest sense of life in North America!! I live in the US, a few hours from the Canadian border. Racism is real and the impact of childhood trauma is just as real. I look forward to reaching out to my young sister. Lynn, your haircut looks gorgeous on you. It shows off your beautiful face!! Peace & Blessings.

One thing I know is that if you do not go to school in Canada, or just get a Canadian education, its very difficult to start a career. I'm not Kenyan but I've met Kenyan professionals in Canada. Most have Canadian education. Your education from your home country might not be of any help unless you get into a masters or Phd program thats if you have your undergraduate degree from Kenya. OR just start school all over again. Or get some type of certification. When it comes to bills, they are too many depending on your lifestyle. I'm also from Africa and have lived here for 13 years but my bills are rent, food, car insurence, hydro, and of course buying gas, phone bill,, internet. Those are my monthly bills. I don't have cable ,Netflix, iTunes and i don't buy designer clothes and expensive shoes.All these small small things that hike up bills. As a single person one should not have many bills. Live within your means. This does not mean you stop enjoying but enjoy what you can afford. Save your money guys, save. Canada has interest free saving accounts this is a gift from the Canadian govt to Canadians. Americans do not even have such TFSA accounts.We are in a pandemic. Where are you spending your money besides paying bills. I understand people who have families but single people we need to look within and ask ourselves what we really want.

Hope all they are all watching life 😂 abroad it's not easy, kwanza being house maid it God Grace that is keeping us here Lnny thank you so much you uplift as so much being away from home it's not easy it's only God 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏this lady she is so strong, sometimes l want to give up come back home but l just remember being a first born my family depends on me and my siblings,l have to stay strong for them.

I disagree with some of her statements eg that most Kenyans work odd jobs in North America such as watchman, waiter etc, this is not true. To succeed in North America specifically USA based on my experience it depends on a lot of factors. For eg. before you leave Kenya, have a clear plan, keep an open mind, be determined to succeed as racism is everywhere, in Kenya we call it tribalism. Also, it depends on who you surround yourself with while abroad. I encourage everyone that relocates abroad to go back to college if possible or take certification courses to sharpen their skills & become more competitive. Also, be very disciplined with money, pay your bills & live within your budget, so NOT all Kenyans work odd jobs in the USA it's a choice you make, as there are many job opportunities in the USA as well as Canada I believe. Also, surround yourself with goal oriented intelligent people and work hard and stop comparing Kenya vs. North America once you relocate but adjust to your new life and make the best of it.

Life abroad is not easy.. We live less, uncomfortable and tirelessly working hard to just give our people big life back home. I lost friends in the process... They don't believe you don't have and you're always impeccable when giving. If you give well you're besty if not you're dumped into enemies basket.

It's also important Ms Lynn how we talk about certain jobs. There is no shame in cleaning toilets and there is no shame if that person never "upgrades" from that job. Our system would collapse if we didn't have amazing women like her working hard in the hospitality industry. Blessing & great interview🙏🏾

Chika, I loooove your story. I also love that you are telling it as it is. I am from Zambia and I currently live in Ottawa. I have lived in this country since 1991 years, your story is my story and you are telling truth. Thank you for doing this.

In short..... when u relocate pay attention kama mgeni, does the place welcome u or not? If not, move to another place, like Canada has different provinces/cities u can try your luck. For Chika, contact me if you can, I think I can help. I'm in Toronto

Kazi ni kazi for sure...I graduated 2018 full of expectations that I will get a job I ended up Hawking in Kitale town and I was very proud of my hustle..even today when someone gives me any kind of job Iam ready to do it ...but I did Journalism and mass communication.❤️❤️❤️

Hey lyn I’m canada i moved here in 2019 and all what I would say is canada life humbles everyone. If you want to adjust here in canada just humble and study do a course get a certificate you’ll get a good job I worked since February last year Im on a break mood now kutoka December im resuming back to work hapo feb. if your abroad look for Kenyan community groups join and you won’t feel lonely

Majority of people who have gone abroad have started from scratch to survive. It humbles oneself.

Love this lady honesty and eloquence. Mindset & attitude about life is a very powerful life tool no matter where you are. 98% of the people back home don't care about diaspora, they only call u when they are ready to exploit but keep ur head up & tream ur priorities accordingly. The money we make here would be enough to sustain us if it wasn't extended burden.

She is lucky she had family members around her in diaspora - That's the best thing you can have here. The loneliness here in Canada is insane. Depression. But life compared to Kenya... Financially wise is much better. Only that am away from family and my beautiful Kenyan weather

There's nothing like an odd job,any job that earns u money kindly appreciate. Watu huongea as if living a comfortable poor life in Kenya when u r educated is better than being selfless with an aim of changing your economic status,it takes a sacrifice for one to change the cycle of poverty..As long as am secure,I can do any job as long as it's worth the sacrifice.

The title is like my sister's story Lynn and life abroad is really not a joke but we survive because we always have God we conquer

WOW ... this is brutal truth , mental health issues through life are hard to articulate, Thank you Chika for being vulnerable, spoke for me

I think she's brave to move back home during a pandemic. But honestly, not everyone does those kinds of jobs out here. Almost every Kenyan I know has a degree and a decent job. They probably started off doing odd jobs but now they're comfortably employed. I was a house keeper when I arrived, but I went to school, did information systems and now I'm a supervisor in the local government

Great topic . A word of advice through experience, first years life is different, go to school and network and keep pushing. Life gets easier with time, perseverance and set goals for yourself . You will be successful…

I have witnessed so many doctors and graduates clean toilets or having nothing to do. It's only the grace of God. In Kenya is more worse. So nobody should fear to go abroad.

Trusting humble beginning. Isaiah 60:22 When the time is right, l the LORD will make it happen.

Why do we look down on jobs in Kenya? Why do people think it is beneath them to clean toilets? That is a cultural and colonial mentality we need to shed once and for all. Everyone in America cleans Toilets even Managers and Directors it is no big deal. Americans have no problem with cleaning Toilets. Free your mind the rest will follow. Lynn I was glad to hear that you have waited tables. That is life experience. It makes you an empathetic and sympathetic restaurant customer. I have lived in the USA for over 40 years started at the bottom and still going strong by God's Grace. If cleaning toilets is what I have to do to feed my family I have gladly done it and will do it again.

Absolutely loved this! Very well articulated Chika, you have spoken for so many of us! You are a strong woman & your faith is amazing.

Yes, ulaya, si mchezo particularly the early days/years...and by the way when people migrate to other countries, settling down, it takes about (7) years...this is statistical data in refugees studies...so, it is not silver lining...that's why it takes many years or even failing completely as we have seen from a number of our people.

Well, we can Not generalize all diasporans/countries abroad. I thank God that I came to Germany as a student (full scholarship) back in 1999, later I settled here and have Never regreted that move. All I can say, papers & documents do "talk", challenges are ofcourse there, (also in Kenya). Just put God First before taking any step ahead, involve him in every decision u make, stay Focused, have Plan A, B & may be C, have an Aim and don't forget that Priority matters alot and changes as the yrs go by. Nevertheless, Thank u Chika for ur Story. It's a eye openner for many perceptions.

Lynn! This was a beautiful intwrview. I was in Canada in the 60's, perhaps even b4 this lady was born. I went there as a student on a Canadian Scholarhip. My dear, from what u are narrating as ur experiences, I can tell u there is very little, if anything, that has changed about Canada. You are lucky that at least YOU already knew God. I didn't.., then. I used to tell people that afta Canada, there is no life challenge that I cannot conquer. ( 4years of study and already a married young parent with a hubby who was also a student and 2 young kids) By de grace of God, we made it BUT I used to tell people that if I made it thru in Canada, I can succeed anywhere in the world. I was in Edmonton! I trully thank God to hear someone who knows God and on whom His grace abounded. I can tell u, It was only by His grace and merciful kindness that u peddled thru what u went thru! I so love ur narrative- cum- testimony. May de God in whom u have put ur trust, come thru for u once again!! ( from Lesotho, Southern Africa)

Life abroad is a nightmare, I’ve been in the states and now NZ, this lady is saying as it is

That's Canada for you. It's a journey. First it may break you, then it builds you. To do so however from my experience, one cannot quit. I moved to Canada from Jamaica in the early 90s and, quickly found out that one doesn't have to be attending a University alone to get a degree; this country itself is a University.

Happy new year Lynn and thanks for hosting Chika who is brave to tell her story. From some of the comments, I see that a few people have normalized struggle and feel that her story is not valid just because she came from a comfortable background. What seems normal to me might not be the case for someone else so Chika, this is your experience, we hear you and your story matters too. All the best.

So inspiring and encouraging ,never give up lady in this life,we face a lot mostly even we who are living in diaspora like me today I faced direct discrimination and racism in an Arabian country whereby an Arab couple passed me as a security guard somewhere and told their small boy who they were with to hit me and run away as if it is joking , probably they see what I can do but I left it to God, anyway God above all

I also had a breast lump removed last year...It had given me lots of thoughts and sleepless nights. Thank God it turned out cancerous free

Thanks Lynn for bringing us viewers these inspiring and real life stories. Chika may God come through for you and give you an excellent job in the hotel industry back in Kenya.

Chika congrats on beating depression. May God continue guiding you all the days of your life. thanks Lynn for this episode

I am living here now, I know what depression looks like. It's Bad. In my entire life I found depression in Canada. Home is home. This side I see people Africans trying to be one of them but they Endup in bad places. It's because most of the people they haven't achieved what they wanted. And it takes alot of time to just achieve the permanent residency and after getting you are so exhausted and tired of life and you have already lost 3 to 4 years of your life back to back to try and prove to the government that your perfect. Racist is there all of the time. Home pressure coming back with nothing it really kills people. Because they government won't let you in easily they must use you first for 3 to 4 years and the government for immigrants we are considered unskilled labour example Factories, security guards, cleaning etc.

its how you see things. Abroad has worked so well for some people, lets be sincere. It pays so well so long as you don't go there with an attitude of choosing jobs. Some of this low jobs pay better than a person working for the Government or banks. Lets be positive and encourage our people go there and work. we cannot all fit in Kenya.