American Moves to Saskatchewan for Love and New Beginnings

Holly Nguyen, a 31-year-old from California, relocated to La Ronge, Saskatchewan, driven by love and the desire for a fulfilling life with her partner, Kitten Chrispen. The couple’s story reflects a long-distance relationship that blossomed into a commitment, ultimately leading to a new home in Canada.

Nguyen often faces curious glances when residents of La Ronge learn of her California roots. “What the hell are you doing up here?” is a question she has grown accustomed to hearing. Despite the chilly climate, she finds deep beauty in the boreal forest and the welcoming nature of northern communities. “There’s something about the boreal forest… that just kind of enamors you,” Nguyen noted, highlighting her connection to the area.

The bond between Nguyen and Chrispen stretches back to 2007, when they began chatting online at the age of 13. Their friendship provided a vital lifeline for Chrispen, who identifies as a queer autistic individual and has battled mental health challenges over the years. “When I met her and we started talking, things just clicked,” Chrispen recalled. This initial friendship gradually transformed into a romantic relationship, particularly during a visit to Anaheim just before Nguyen left for college.

“I have to process everything,” Nguyen explained about her slow approach to relationships. It was not until a few summers later that she made her feelings clear by asking Chrispen if they could date. “She said yes. I don’t know why,” Chrispen said, reflecting on the joy of that moment.

Over the next six years, the couple invested significantly in their relationship, traveling back and forth between California and Saskatchewan. “I worked a lot, and pretty much all of my money I sunk into this long-distance relationship,” Nguyen shared. They contemplated moving to California together; however, political uncertainties following the 2016 U.S. presidential election influenced their decision. “It did not feel responsible to bring her to America,” Nguyen said, citing concerns over healthcare access for Chrispen, who has disabilities.

Nguyen proposed to Chrispen on New Year’s Eve in 2018 on a frozen lake in La Ronge. The couple married in 2022 during the COVID-19 pandemic, allowing Nguyen to officially move to Canada. This transition has offered her a new perspective on her home country, which she described as “jarring” yet enlightening. “It’s a little embarrassing… which is why I don’t come flying out of the gate telling people that I’m American,” she stated, acknowledging the warmth she has experienced from the local community.

Since their marriage, both women have found solace in their shared domestic life. Chrispen expressed how having Nguyen by her side has transformed her daily experience. “I want to be here with her and I want to take care of her wife — who is me,” she affirmed. Their relationship, built over years of effort and patience, has flourished in the tranquility of Saskatchewan, insulated from the larger political landscape.

Nguyen reflects on their journey with gratitude, recognizing the unique connection they share. “It just makes me incredibly grateful for what we have. It’s not something at all that I’ll ever be able to find again if I were to ever lose it.” The couple’s experience underscores the profound impact of love and commitment, even in the face of distance and challenges.