There are many benefits to the choices that my husband and I have made; moving to different places in support of my husband's career. We have experienced so many new places, in ways that you can't simply through traveling. We have exposed ourselves to challenges and things that aren't so comfortable, and have come out on the other side, stronger and more confident in ourselves and in our relationships. One of the greatest things about living in other places are the people who we have met along the way.
I have met some incredible people on this journey. People full of support and friendship, who really do feel like family when your own family is so far away. Unfortunately though, the thing that is most rewarding is also the most heartbreaking. Today I said so long to a good friend of mine. She and her family are 'expats' as well, and they have been reassigned. ...and it happens, just like that. I am definitely in a weird space right now, not only because I am going to miss my friend a whole bunch, but also because this is hard. It is hard to put yourself out there and not only meet people, but open yourself up to people. And then just like that, they either leave or you leave and have to do it all over again. The amount of loss that we deal with is a lot. Loss of home, loss of family, loss of friendships, loss of jobs, etc., etc. ...But I wouldn't change it. The benefits of what is gained, like these roaming "family members" located all over this crazy world...this matters. And these people help write the story of our lives.
I am going to miss you my friend. But I will look forward to the day that our paths cross again.
~Jackie
