Reflections

I was focused on making a difference and creating the change I wanted to see. That ultimately came years later in the form of a high diplomatic posting, which was part of the overall vision and purpose God had for my life. My path meandered but I preserved, working my way up through the consulates, the embassy, and international organizations. I put in the time and emulated those who were successful in the roles I aspired to serve in. I kept looking ahead to where I needed to go, while learning everything I could, where I was. I spent productive time acquiring skills and preparing myself. There were many times I thought of giving up when things were no going as planned, but I kept being reminded that it is God’s plan, and by His grace I never made an about turn. I abided the waiting room seasons, and although I glanced back at times, I remained in a state of readiness to take the necessary next step. Because I fundamentally believe that faith is a verb – an action word, I kept working and believing that God was also working things out in my favor because he has always been faithful. I had witnessed times when people gave up just before the breakthrough and I did not want that to be my fate. I pride myself as having a keen sense of direction and a sense of self, and I am constantly reimagining and reinventing myself. I learnt from mom to take pride in my work, to always stand in excellence and to bloom wherever I am planted. There is much to be said for soaking up every experience. So, here is another reflection. After sending my daughter back to Grenada in 1984, during my first year in Canada, I took on a babysitting job with an American-Italian family. Getting to and from their home was an hour by train, from end to end on that train line. I had to wake early to board a bus to the train station and then board a second bus to the house. Yes, add another hour to my daily commute. I had four hours in total every day to cry and suck it up when I was on the job. Thank God no tears are provoked as I am writing this story today; only wonder at the puissance I exhibited back then. The family with whom I worked owned a business. They had an older son Michael, a daughter Maria who was the same age as my daughter Simone, and my five-month-old charge, Giuseppe. Looking at Maria getting ready to go off to school tore at my heart because Simone’s aunts were getting her ready for school and I was not there. When the children returned home on afternoons, I heard them talk excitedly about their day and I longed to hear Simone’s adventures. For a few months I justified and rationalized and prayed. Make no mistake, women are strong, and mothers are stronger. Remember, I left behind a professional position and the management of my own household to migrate to Canada. So, although it was not part of my duties, I picked up around the house. Giuseppe slept most of the day and I had ample time to study. While the parents got ready to make dinner, I prepared snacks for the children before embarking on my long journey back to my cousin’s home, where I had a room. One morning my employer said to me, “Yolande, we did not advertise a live-in position, but you are welcome to use the second guest room if your family would not be offended. You get off the clock as usual and you can choose to go out or remain in your room. You would receive the same wage.” She knew the distance I had to travel and yet I was never late nor in haste to leave at the end of my workday. I always gave her time to settle in before leaving. I took pride in the work I did and was always happy to give a little extra. Giuseppe was becoming very attached, and the family was fond of me. Even the grandfather who owned a vineyard would visit with wine especially for me. There were times I cooked Caribbean style meals for the adults. They loved it! “You are the best babysitter”, I told myself repeatedly. By this time, I had passed the LSAT and had options to attend law school. But as God would have it, I was about to embark on another leg of the journey. I was offered an administrative position of at the Consulate General of Grenada in Toronto. It would provide lawful immigration status and the opportunity to begin my university career. It also meant that Simone could return to Canada to be with me. I leased a small apartment and asked mom to join us so she could help to care for Simone. With sponsorship from a benevolent family friend, I attended the downtown polytechnic university on evenings and worked at the consulate during the day.