In April 2024, we finally arrived in Finland.
The months leading up to our migration had been incredibly busy. There were so many things to prepare, organize, and settle before we could begin this new chapter of our lives.
Our journey to Finland wasn’t as smooth as we had hoped. Our flight was delayed because of the bombings in Iran-Israel at the time, which disrupted several international flights. Instead of flying directly to Kajaani, we were rerouted to Oulu and continued the rest of our journey by bus.
Finally, after a long and exhausting trip, we arrived in Kajaani.
A Warm Welcome in a Cold Country
When we arrived at Kajaani Airport, we encountered another unexpected challenge.
Our agency informed us that instead of picking us up at 10:00 a.m. as originally planned, they wouldn’t be able to pick us up until 6:00 p.m.
There wasn’t much to do at the airport. The shops were closed, it was cold outside, and there was no one there to assist us. After such a long journey, we honestly didn’t know what to do.
Thankfully, I remembered the Airbnb I had booked before our flight plans changed.
Although our original reservation had been canceled because of the flight delay, I decided to call the host and ask if we could still use the apartment from around noon until our agency arrived at 6:00 p.m.
Without hesitation, they said yes.
It turned out to be one of the first acts of kindness we experienced in Finland.
The apartment was attached to the hosts’ home, and they welcomed us with genuine warmth. They even offered to drive not only our family but also our friends, who had arrived on the same day, to and from the airport.
After our exhausting journey, they served us warm food and gave us a comfortable place to rest while we waited.
We’ll never forget their kindness.
If you’re ever visiting Kajaani, we highly recommend staying at their apartment. They made us feel welcome even before our new life in Finland officially began.
After such an exhausting trip, their warmth and compassion reminded us that home isn’t just a place, it’s the people who make you feel welcome.
Even our little one was enjoying their room full of toys and books.
This Facebook post link: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1bbnRrBvu4/
Website: Toivonniemen Kotimajoitus
Facebook: Toivonniemen Kotimajoitus Facebook page
Our First Few Days in Kajaani
Later that evening, our agency picked us up and brought us to another apartment in Kajaani, where we stayed for three to four days.
During that time, we completed several important requirements, including registering with the Digi- ja väestötietovirasto (DVV) and undergoing routine medical examinations before starting work.
Coming from Dubai, where summer temperatures can easily reach 45°C, stepping into Finland’s below-zero temperatures was a huge adjustment.
It was freezing!
But it was also something we had been looking forward to for a very long time.
Seeing Snow for the First Time
One of the most unforgettable moments was seeing snow for the very first time.
Although it was already April and officially spring, there was still so much snow on the ground. It was thick enough to lie down on and even build a snowman.
It was incredibly cold, but it was also incredibly beautiful.
Our little one absolutely loved it.
She spent so much time playing in the playground near our apartment, enjoying every moment in the snow while we watched her with happy hearts.
Seeing her excitement made all the travel stress worth it.
Welcome to Kuhmo
After spending a few days in Kajaani, we finally traveled to Kuhmo, the place we would soon call our second home.
This was also where I would begin working alongside my fellow batchmates.
Arriving in Kuhmo felt like the beginning of a brand-new chapter.
The weather was even colder, and the snow was much deeper than we had seen in Kajaani.
Yet despite the freezing temperatures, our hearts felt warm.
Kuhmo immediately gave us a sense of peace.
The neighborhood was quiet, the air was fresh, and nature surrounded us everywhere.
One of our favorite things to do was simply take walks together as a family, breathing in the crisp, cold air and appreciating the peaceful surroundings.
During those walks, we passed several familiar landmarks, including the Kuhmo Health Center (Terveyskeskussairaala), where I would soon begin working, as well as the Kuhmo Library (Kirjasto) and Kuhmo Church (Kuhmon kirkko).
Life here was so different from Dubai.
Instead of skyscrapers and busy highways, we were surrounded by forests, snow, and silence.
It was a peaceful kind of silence—the kind that helps you slow down and appreciate life’s simple moments.
Learning a New Way of Life
Snow continued to fall during our first weeks, and we often wondered when spring and, eventually summer, would finally arrive.
Our front yard quickly filled with snow, so Rev learned how to shovel and clear it himself.
It was something completely new for him, but he did a great job.
He kept both the front and back yards clean despite the heavy snowfall.
After spending almost ten years living in apartment buildings in Dubai, moving into a cozy row house in Finland felt like a dream.
It finally felt like we had a place to truly call home.
nside the house, heaters kept every room warm and comfortable.
Even so, during our first week, we still felt cold indoors because we weren’t used to Finland’s climate yet.
That’s why you’ll notice we’re still wearing sweaters inside the house in some of our photos. 😊
The Kindness of Our Fellow Filipinos
One thing we’ll always be thankful for is the warm welcome we received from our fellow Filipinos in Kuhmo.
They generously helped us settle into our new home by giving us second-hand furniture, kitchen utensils, bedsheets, curtains, rugs, carpets, blankets, and many other household essentials.
Their generosity made our transition much easier.
It reminded us that no matter where we are in the world, Filipinos have a special way of making one another feel at home.
Our Daughter’s First Daycare Visit
During our first week, our agency also introduced us to our daughter’s daycare.
We were genuinely impressed.
The teachers, staff, and daycare director welcomed us warmly, and the facility itself was spacious, organized, and exceptionally clean.
As working parents, it gave us so much peace of mind knowing our daughter would be cared for in such a wonderful environment.
I’ll be sharing more about Finland’s daycare system in a separate blog because it truly deserves its own story.
A Taste of Home
Of course, even after arriving in Finland, we couldn’t help but miss Filipino food.
Thankfully, we had brought some homemade dishes with us, including sinigang and steak.
After days of traveling, enjoying a familiar home-cooked meal brought us so much comfort.
Sometimes, a simple taste of home is exactly what you need.
Final Thoughts
Our first week in Finland was filled with challenges.
We were tired from traveling, adjusting to a new country, adapting to a completely different climate, and learning a new way of life.
But above all, we were grateful.
Grateful for the kind people we met.
Grateful for every helping hand.
Grateful for the opportunity to begin again.
Looking back now, we realize that every challenge we faced during that first week became part of the beautiful story we’re still writing today.
“Sometimes, the most beautiful chapters of our lives begin with the hardest goodbyes.”
“The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”
— Deuteronomy 31:8 (NIV)
May we always have the courage to embrace new beginnings, trust God’s perfect timing, and find joy wherever He leads us.
- Moving to Finland: Why It Wasn’t Part of Our Original Plan
- Places to Visit in Kuhmo: A Summer Day at Roukonpuro Beach (Roukonpuron ranta)
- Places to Visit in Kuhmo: Discovering Local Nature and Everyday Beauty
- Places to Visit in Kuhmo: A Peaceful Afternoon by Lentiira River (Lentiiranjoki)
- Places to Visit in Kuhmo: Pajakkakoski Rapids
- Simple Blueberry Cheesecake Recipe
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