It is quite a challenge to repatriate a family gracefully. That is why I created this blog. I wanted to share my experience with others as a way to soften the blow or maybe prepare another family for the reverse culture shock! Expat life provides plenty of twists and turns and changes, but I have discovered that repatriated life is almost as much of a roller coaster ride. Our family looks to God for direction and we have relied on the promise in Jeremiah 29:11 - "For I know the plans I have for you", declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future."
I spent the first half of my life growing up on Southeast coast of Florida! I went to college at a small Liberal Arts school on the Northeast coast of Florida. I graduated with a B.A. degree in Social Science with minors in History and Religion. I absolutely love humanities and observing how different people react to everyday life and how they handle situations.
One score and a couple years ago . . .
A lightening bolt from heaven fused together an Engineer Extraordinaire and a Social Scientist. Since that dynamic day, we have faced life's challenges as One relying on God's grace and direction. We have been blessed with two children a boy (TechSavvySon) and a girl (WittyGirl). We have moved ten times in twenty-one years of marriage. Some moves were within the same city/state others were across state lines and twice we've been overseas and back (Belgium & Singapore).
This, by no means, makes us experts. I actually don't think there is a "normal" repatriation for anyone. However, I felt compelled to share my experience in the hopes that it might ease someone else's transition or at least provide a good laugh. It also is an outlet for me to share all that is going on in my head!
I have a curious fascination with history, religion, cultures and traditions and how these influence people. I am an introvert, an observer and a good listener. This blog is a challenge for me as I am not the most eloquent of speakers or writers, but I am learning to step out of my comfort zone.
I am a woman of faith! I became a Christian in my teen years. I have been very blessed and am very grateful to have God to rely on through all the trials and tribulations of life!
I am a TEA LOVER! I cannot remember a time I did not drink tea! Now, it was American style iced tea that I grew up on, but in Belgium, I learned to love "real" tea. ALL Kinds - Green, Black, Darjeeling, etc. Then, I moved to Singapore and discovered TWG TEAs!
They have over 800 teas or tea blends. In the four years I lived there, I tried over 200 different teas!
I am a cook, not a chef. I say this because I don't create my own recipes, but I find recipes and tweak them to make them work for my family. I love to cook! It is an outlet for me. Both in Belgium and Singapore, it was hard for me to cook in a kitchen the size of a broom closet, but I made it work. I'm thrilled to have a large kitchen now and to be able to taste test new recipes. I am trying to bake, but sadly, I think you may have to be blessed with some special talent to bake well.
I am a wishful gardner! Just like baking, I think one may have to be blessed with a talent to make things grow and thrive. I have successfully grown tomatoes and herbs in the past, but I'm praying over the kitchen garden that I am putting in.
So this is me!
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