Have you looked up for that helping hand

I migrated to New Zealand after 10 years of practice. NZ did not accept our credentials from India - not just me- Asian, East European, Middle East, African countries were not welcome though they asked us to migrate. Our savings dissipated within a year. My job applications got me regrets.

One day, in the morning on a chilly day, I went for a walk. Tears flowed down my cheeks. I was regretful for making the decision to migrate with my family. I walked inside a Pizza Hut and asked to give me a job application. Having failed 200 times by disclosing I was a doctor, I filled the application stating that I had a High School Diploma. I was trained for two hours, with me watching a video of how to be courteous which was expected of drivers who deliver. I got a second job in a gas station with my new identity.

I received tips in both places. My pride made me give away the tips to my co workers for the first week until my kids had needs to be met. So taking home the left over pizzas at midnight and the expiry dated chocolate mousse was not that shameful. Lifting oil cans and other stuff for the gas station, as heavy it was for me, to be stocked became the norm.

I went for my driver's license test. I was failed as it was the norm if it was a first attempt for those who came from the countries I mentioned above. 75 NZ dollars down the drain. It was worth a lot to us under those circumstances. I was asked to take a few driving classes and the business card of the school was given to me by the examiner. The instructor was a Fiji Indian who after the first class, refused to take fees for future classes after coming to know of our plight. My wife had a worse experience. She was failed without the examiner sitting inside the car and going for a drive. The tires were bald and he asked her to come with the tires changed. I was lucky , having failed for a different reason!

My car got stolen one time. A 500 dollar Toyota Corolla, 1974 make. Who on earth would want that car. It was running on will power than horse power! But to me it mattered a lot. I could drop off my kids to school, go with my wife for our externship program in a State Psychiatric Hospital which was 25 Kms each way, go to work as my job depended on it and visit friends I made during my stay. A doctor couple who migrated from Delhi, coming from a well to do family, but living in the confused state like us, gifted away their second car to us.

The stolen car was found, with the engine broken and had to be towed from a distance of 30 Kms. The guy who took driving classes, upon my request for help, sent his friend who not only helped me to tow but also bought a second hand engine, replaced it by working on the car for 16 hours and refused to take money.

We had to do our exams to go to USA in Australia. Exam fees, travel, stay all cost money. Even the Airlines agent showed mercy by collecting the cost and fees for service after we returned, let alone friends who provided stay and met our expenses. One time my friend paid the fees for the exam as I spent time in his place in Australia and helped him to prepare as he was working as an OBGYN. He passed and I failed!

We enrolled for the dole, a hand out from the Government for food, shelter and health. The only problem was that if you had a sensitive tooth, they offered to remove it for 30 dollars or else make an appointment, the nearest date being two years away!

An acquaintance then and a friend now, a 27 year old, fifth generation South African Indian, asked to be invited for lunch the day before christmas. He came home and on his way out gave an envelop for 500 NZ dollars. He said that we needed more than him and was happy to part with it. The day before he came, I had to say no to my son for asking me to buy him a 30 dollar remote control car. He was just seven years old. I couldn’t afford it. I cried alone and in darkness.

These are just a few incidents in my journey through NZ that made me understand what life is all about. I am still learning, as I am not short of making mistakes. With all my faults, I have grown to be considerate, sensitive, helpful, empathize and let people know that I care.

~Kripa