Our Journey Together: Navigating Cultural Boundaries and National Borders

In 2017, while working as an English teacher for Disney English in Guangzhou, China, I met Chase. Our connection was immediate, and what started as a four-hour conversation on my couch quickly grew into something deeper.

Chase and I came from very different backgrounds—he from a rural village in China and I from Los Angeles. Despite these differences, we felt an instant bond. Since day 1 we have spent every day together, exploring each other’s perspectives on life, politics, culture, making our relationship evolve quickly.

When COVID-19 hit, our lives, like everyone’s, were turned upside down. From being kicked out of restaurants to families running our the elevators when we stepped in; it was a hard time to be a foreigner in China. I was unable to leave and return due to travel restrictions, and Disney English closed as the company faced financial difficulties. I had to decide whether to return home or stay with Chase. I chose to stay, accepting a new job in a different city, while Chase had just started an exciting job in Guangzhou.

It was during this period of living apart that I learned Chase had left behind a significant part of his life in Shanghai to be with me. He dropped his job, circle of friends, and prospects to see what could come of us. He viewed our relationship as a valuable investment in his future, even though the future was uncertain. This understanding influenced our decisions moving forward.

In 2022, we decided to move to Canada. Chase arrived in the summer and dove into new experiences right away starting with a car ride from the airport straight to Veld Music Festival. Since then life in the Great White North has felt like a merry-go-round, bumping bass stage, and poutine truck all wrapped into one so his introduction to life here was fitting.

Now, we are facing new challenges. Chase’s family has dealt with serious health issues—his mother and sister are both battling cancer. As we think about our future, we are considering whether to apply for a spousal visa or for me to reenter China as a tourist, given that our marriage isn’t recognized there.

Living in a country where our relationship isn’t legally acknowledged presents ongoing difficulties. The lack of legal status and cultural acceptance in China creates uncertainties about our future. However, we are grateful for the acceptance and legal recognition we have in Canada, where we can build a stable life together.

Despite the challenges, our love and commitment to each other remain strong. We are hopeful for a future where we can find stability and continue to build our life together, wherever that may be.