As I previously said, I arrived in Nebraska June of 2008. I was so happy to be back with my husband, after our year long battle with immigration. We were naive about that entire procedure, and thought that as he was Military, and I am English, that the process might not take as long as some others. How wrong we were.... But that is a whole other story! :)
My first proper summer here was really about adjusting:
A different climate- so very humid here.
Different foods- it is surprising just how used to local foods you become!
And the biggest adjustment for me... being further away from my family than I had ever been.
I travelled for a year in 2002, visiting Holland, Belgium, France, Portugal, and eventually Spain (where I was planning to buy a property and start my new life!)
But, throughout my travels, I was never far away from my family. I am fortunate to have a wonderful family, who I am very close with. For those of you who have never been over the pond, you can fly just about anywhere in Europe in a few hours, maybe 6 to Turkey is the longest flight? (not sure, I have never been that far?) So my family were always close if I needed them to be, even while I was travelling. And now, here I was, in a strange place, a different Continent, and the only person that I knew was my husband. I have always been fairly independant, but suddenly I had to rely on Hubby. I was more homesick than I can begin to describe.
I was nervous about meeting people because I am English. I thought that people wouldn't understand my accent, would have nothing in common with me because I am 'European', lots of irrational worries. I was very wrong... I have heard that a lot of people dislike Nebraska (I have my fair share of gripes, that's for sure), but I have met some of the friendliest, most down to earth, genuinely nice people here. The friends that I have made here, I know are lifelong friends. They are my family away from family. I do still get homesick from time to time, but would never have been able to get through some of the hard times that I have had over the past few years, if it wasn't for my friends - who I love like family. Each place that you live is ultimately what you make of it. Unfortunately in the Military we have to do that every 4 years or so.
I hope that while I have lived here, I have made a small impact on someone's life? Lots of people here have made huge impacts on mine, and if I have done the same for just one person, then I can leave Nebraska happy!
I feel very blessed and lucky that Col "Couga'" introduced us, Nicky! And when you and Steve do leave here, (someday), there will be a definite absence in the heartland!
ReplyDeleteMy first comment!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Tonya. We have many more fun times to come before we do eventually leave here- I can feel it, in my darts arm especially! :)
Never doubt the impact you've had here and on all of us. Your support has helped me to make the progress I have and I can never thank you enough for that. You are like the sister I never had!!
ReplyDeleteAww, thanks Christy! I never would have kept going to the gym so adamantly if you were not there with me 'viewing' and keeping me company. I also can never repay what you, Ty and Natt, did for me while hubby was deployed, you really did help to keep me sane! Well, as sane as I can be. ;)
ReplyDeletenoo's you have some wonderful friends who all very welcoming and friendly when we came to visit you and for that i am grateful that they were there for you during some rough times when i am so far away.
ReplyDeleteEven when you do leave you know you have some great friends who you will keep in contact with for a very long time.