Living far from her childhood home in India, Anusuya Datta, a writer and journalist from Saskatoon, reminisces about the journey of finding a place to call home in Canada. Despite the absence of snow during the holiday season, the warmth and coziness of her new house brought a sense of belonging. The abundance of windows flooding every room with sunlight captured their hearts during the initial house hunt. Anusuya’s child’s exclamation, “Ma, this feels like home,” resonated deeply with her.

The simplicity and charm of their new house, with a front lawn and a backyard adorned with swaying poplar trees, evoked a feeling of perfection. The memories of her childhood home in India flooded her mind as she stood surrounded by Christmas lights. Recreating similar memories with her family in Canada filled her with gratitude.

Leaving behind their cherished home in India to start anew in Saskatoon through renting brought feelings of impermanence. The rental apartment, with its impersonal ambiance and thin walls, failed to provide the warmth of a true home. However, the decision to purchase a house in September marked a turning point in their lives amidst the uncertainties of the pandemic.

Now, settled in their new home, Anusuya sees it as more than just bricks and mortar. It symbolizes the beginning of a new chapter filled with laughter, arguments, and love. Personalizing the space and creating an environment reflecting their identity, they look forward to building new memories and anchoring themselves in their newfound home.

Saskatoon has transformed from a mere location on the map to a beacon of hope for Anusuya’s family. It taught them that home is not merely a birthplace but a place they actively choose to be. The house has become the foundation for their settled life, where they plan to celebrate milestones and grow roots, turning an unfamiliar place into an undeniable home.