A Dad to Count On

Becoming a new dad brought Carnot joy—and stress. While he happily embraced his new responsibilities, mounting challenges of migrating to a new country caused him to question his ability to provide for and protect his family.  He worried that he couldn’t be a dad his daughter could count on.

Anxiety and Uncertainty

In 2008 Carnot and his wife left their middle-class life in Mexico to explore Canada—to see, do, and learn. With a two-year job contract, they were excited to be here.

But their enthusiasm quickly turned to anxiety. They learned a fractured economy in Mexico left many factories closed and hundreds unemployed, and Mexican drug criminals had terrorized their community. To add to their distress, the language barrier made it impossible for them to communicate.

Before long, the Olguin’s discovered they were pregnant. They were so happy. But during the last stage of pregnancy, Carnot’s wife developed complications. At the same time they lost their hotel jobs due to Canada’s slumping economy. Immigration said they couldn’t stay in Canada without a job, but if they went home to Mexico they risked the dangerous delivery of their baby during flight.

The Olguin’s stayed in Canada and gave birth to baby Kate. Soon after, they met The Salvation Army Calgary Family Resource Centre.

Hope and Strength

“It’s a lot easier to get back on your feet when you have access to supports,” says Carnot. “Emotional support from the Army renewed our strength. Practical support gave us hope. Friendships gave us confidence to move forward.”

Carnot is working again and in April 2013 received his permanent residency status. While he is anxious to contribute to Canadian society he is most happy when he hangs out with Kate at the Army’s Kids’ Club and Art Program.

“Through crafts and stimulating activities I’m not only watching Kate’s personality develop, but also our emotional bonding. I’m seeing the world through her eyes and she knows I’m genuinely fascinated in the things that interest her.

“When Kate hugs me and says ‘I love you daddy’ that melts my heart. She knows she can count on me and that part of me belongs to her.”