Zahoor Sheikh
| Town/City | Canberra ACT |
|---|---|
| First name | Zahoor |
| Last name | Sheikh |
| Country of Origin | Pakistan |
| Date of Birth | 1/16/1952 |
| Year of Arrival in Australia | 1980 |
| Submitted by | Zahoor Sheikh |
Story
My reason for leaving my homeland, Pakistan, was that I married a girl from Australia
My journey was full of apprehension and hope. I had never been out of my country, let alone fly in an airplane before. I knew little about Australia. I would carefully circle the outline on the map I had brought with me on the plane. Many thoughts were running through my head.
I didn’t speak English fluently, I didn’t know whether Australians would welcome me. Will I be able to get a good job? Will I be able to understand Australian culture? Is the language Australians speak the same as the English language? My mind was overactive.
There were also questions about my new wife, Masuda. We had been married practically overnight without even speaking to one another. The marriage was arranged. After our marriage, we spent only a week together before she returned to Canberra. It was difficult for her living in a Western country and going through an arranged marriage. Will she grow to accept me? Will I be able to make her happy and support her? How many children will we have?
Stepping off the plane, it was truly a wonderous site. Coming from an overpopulated country, I stepped into Canberra Airport, seemingly deserted with what seemed to be only a handful of people. I was in awe of the clear spaces and empty streets and paths.
29 years on in the year 2009, we remain in Canberra, happily married with 4 children: our beautiful boys, Shahzad (27), Faisal (24); and our beautiful girls, Rizwana (21) and baby Sharaye (8). Australian people are welcoming and generous in their acceptance and helpfulness. I feel blessed. With more than half my life spent in Canberra now, I feel Australia is my home and my children’s future.