Everyone keeps asking us if we're counting down, ready to go to America. I keep thinking what is it that they think that I am so ready for? Do they think I'm so sick of living in another country? I'm not. It's definitely challenging living overseas but you get used to it, it gets easier, and the place becomes home. I love living overseas. I love my city in spite of the smog, crowds, dreadful traffic, kamikaze jaywalkers, dreary winters. I recently saw an angry man haul the driver off the bus I was riding and beat him (#ramadanproblems). That still didn't diminish my love for this place.
Do they think I'm so homesick, longing for America, preferring it over every other country? America is a great country but you get used to not living there. You always miss your family and friends but that's not what America means to me. When I think of America, I think of the great variety in cuisine, orderly traffic, SuperTarget, and the familiarity of knowing what to do in English with ease (go to the doctor, buy a mattress, get your driver's license, etc). My family and some of my friends happen to live there. I miss them but I don't necessarily miss America. So, yes, I am ready to go see them.
At the moment, what I am really ready for is to be out of this transition phase. I began disengaging from work, culture, people about a month ago. It's a normal process of leaving one country and going to another. It's like hanging in limbo and I think that specifically is what I'm ready to be done with. I'm ready to reengage in another country.
So, yes, we are counting down. We have lots to do in the next 7 days. The house is fairly messy and while it's under control, we're putting off cleaning the messes so we can do it all in one fell swoop a couple of days before we leave. We've been washing walls and windows. It's amazing how dirty the walls get here. It's grimy at the 3-foot level because of the kids but entire walls are covered with dirt. I guess it's from living with open windows every summer and breezes bring in the city dirt. We're tying up all sorts of loose ends, completing our medical check-up requirements (I'm in perfect health except for low B12!), sharing iftar (sundown meal to break the fast during Ramadan) with friends and saying all our goodbyes, all the while keeping routine for the girls. Today or tomorrow, I will start packing for the girls and myself. I have a sewing project to finish before taking my machine to a friend for her to babysit and use. I have been sleeping and eating optimally so I'm feeling really amazing.
Speaking of all the things that we need to do, I better get to work. I will be seeing most of you soon.
1 comment:
I don't think that people are meaning that you're sick of living there so counting down, more like you're probably excited for this time in the States and are you ready for it? I know we counted down…we were just so ready for a break. Now we're counting down for our return. It goes both ways. =) Can't wait to see you in a week! (I'm going to bring you all of my spices since we'll be leaving shortly after you get here. Save you a few bucks, hopefully!)
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