I think it took me forty years to get used to it.
Qamar Ahmed
I came here in this country in 1969. I was only 16 years old, but I was not very wise.
I came here after I got married and I didn't like this country because I came from a big family. And my parents were very good and soft spoken and everything. They did very good upbringing with love as well. But here, we were alone, me and my best friend. And no relatives. I didn't know anyone. My husband introduced one family, Indian family, and I used to go to their house. But still I was feeling bored here. I didn't like. I used to cry a lot. And after two years, I got my daughter, first daughter. Then I felt a bit okay. Then I was busy with her - washing nappies.
And then the next year, I got another daughter. Then I was happy with children. Because I got busy, and I used to like children a lot. And I left my brother and sister, they were very young as well. My sister was three years old, and my brother was eight. One was fourteen and twelve. Six brothers and sisters.
After four years I went back to Pakistan. I didn't want to come back, but still I had to come. I started doing a job as well, which I didn't like, because I wasn't educated enough. I started doing a job in a factory sewing clothes for a few years. Then I got used to the lifestyle.
And my children started to go to school as well. That's why I got time for the job. Then I started to study, learning English and childcare as well. I have learnt that. Then I went to college - Asian College Training Centre. I received computer training from there and sewing as well. Then I started doing a job involving children. I worked with children for about twenty years. I liked that job. So, that's how life goes on.
I think it took me forty years to get used to it [the UK].
[In reference to missing Pakistan] Yes, I do. But my parents have gone. It's only one brother with his family there, in Pakistan. My other brothers and sisters have gone to other countries. US and in here as well, in London.