Feels Like Home To Me
It was a phenomenal job opportunity, so moving to Edmonton wasn't too hard a decision to make. Still, I was apprehensive. On my drive across Canada, I'd get bored at night and google Edmonton. That's how I found the Edmonton Outdoor Club. By Saskatchewan I'd signed up, and within 5 days of getting here I'd attended my first event. I thought, "Wow, lookit. I can find people who want to do outdoorsy things." It really started me down that path of easily making new friends. And the friends I've made there are people I hang out with on a weekly basis now.
Before I started the new job, I already had a trip to Argentina planned. I’d only been in Edmonton for 3 months at that point. When I came back after a month, 3 of my new friends were waiting at the airport with this huge banner: “Welcome Home!” I'm so glad there were 2 pictures left on my camera for that moment. Argentina was great, but it was wonderful to be back. I can’t even explain...it was just this sudden wave of relief: "Oh, I'm home." You just feel like you’re finally where you’re supposed to be.
It's been a long time since I actually felt that a place is home. That banner really settled for me that living here wasn't a temporary thing. I stood there realizing, “Yeah, this is home, and they are my friends.” I'm going to be hanging out with them for years.
It's all wrapped up here; this ability for all aspects of my life to meet finally. Edmonton really lets me be who I am.
Where Next?
Rachel Foley
Rachel Foley moved to Edmonton from Northern Ontario 2 years ago. She is a land management planner with the Government of Alberta. When not volunteering with the Red Cross, Edmonton Sport and Social Club, Girl Guides of Canada, or the Edmonton Outdoor Club, she takes advantage of the many events going on in Edmonton by attending festivals, lectures, and theatre and symphony events; playing volleyball; and taking urban hikes.
