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NameMartina
Genderfemale
Country of OriginCroatia
Destination CountryAustralia
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My name is Martina. I came to Australia fifteen years ago from Croatia. I'm married to a great Bosnian man, which was the main reason I came here. We tried to live in Bosnia but it didn't work for me and Croatia wasn't much easier for my husband. We wanted to go somewhere where it didnt matter what nationality you are. We just wanted to have normal life. We had heard about IOM helping people find a better life. We weren't too optimistic but we applied for the visa. After almost two years nothing had happened and we thought that we wouldnt go anywhere, but just then things started to happen. We had a first interview, and not very long after we had medical checks and just like that we had a call that said you are leaving Croatia on the 14th of February 2001.  That was a huge shock because we had only two weeks to prepare before travel. It was hard but we knew we had to try. Our baby was only three years old and we just wanted something better for her. The 16th of February we landed in Canberra, we were tired, scared, didnt know what to expect, and knew zero English. Luckily we had a group of volunteers, who we cant thank enough for all their help and support,  and a translator who helped us through the first days, even months. Australia was a country that I had only heard about in my geography classes, and suddenly it became my home. Step by step, I started to learn about Australia and every day I liked it more and more. I was amazed by all the tall, intimidating buildings that I saw on my first visit to Sydney. Luckily people here are friendly and helpful.  My husband and I went to school to learn English while our daughter went to childcare. I was and still am amazed by the opportunities that Australia has to offer if one only seeks them out. Recently, we became Australian citizens.  We've been in Australia for fifteen years now and weve never thought about leaving. Moving here has proved to be the best decision.  Australia is our home. I miss my family and friends and would love to go visit them but now I say I go home to Australia. Now we live in Perth and we love it. My husband and I are working and our baby of three years has become a young lady of almost nineteen, she studies and works and loves Australia just as much as her parents.

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