Normalcy. I wouldn't have expected there to be many cultural differences between the US and New Zealand, but there are little things. And, now that I'm out of the "feels like vacation" phase of moving to a new country, I've begun to have minor longings for some thing that feel normal. Like a cereal aisle that looks familiar, not having to stare at a barrage of deodorants carrying labels I don't know in roll on or spray versus my usual stick 'o Secret, people getting my jokes, no fear of laughing inappropriately. I am now capable of driving without constantly telling myself, "stay left, stay left" or turning on the windshield wiper when I intended the turn signal and I'm no longer getting honked at for not knowing New Zealand's crazy rule about the person turning right (mind you across traffic!) having the right of way! However, it would be nice to hop in the car and know where the Target is (or to have Target for that matter!). Interestingly, one of the things bringing me out of the homesickness phase is making connections. Of course making connections helps, but it hasn't been so much with the Kiwis (though we've met some awesome Kiwi's and really find them friendly and loaded with hospitality!) and there certainly isn't an American to be found, but we've connected with the other international transplants! We've found ourselves in a small group at church made up not only of some great Kiwi's, but also people from Germany, Switzerland, France, & Korea! Its an amazing group! So, though we're making it through our search for similarity and embracing the fascinating differences, I couldn't have been happier to wake up to a bowl of Fruity Pebbles (courtesy of mom!) every day this week and put on my new maternity clothes, which all fit perfectly (courtesy of Vivian!) that arrived in timing only God could have orchestrated. It made me feel loved and known and most importantly for now, at home.
Normalcy. I wouldn't have expected there to be many cultural differences between the US and New Zealand, but there are little things. And, now that I'm out of the "feels like vacation" phase of moving to a new country, I've begun to have minor longings for some thing that feel normal. Like a cereal aisle that looks familiar, not having to stare at a barrage of deodorants carrying labels I don't know in roll on or spray versus my usual stick 'o Secret, people getting my jokes, no fear of laughing inappropriately. I am now capable of driving without constantly telling myself, "stay left, stay left" or turning on the windshield wiper when I intended the turn signal and I'm no longer getting honked at for not knowing New Zealand's crazy rule about the person turning right (mind you across traffic!) having the right of way! However, it would be nice to hop in the car and know where the Target is (or to have Target for that matter!). Interestingly, one of the things bringing me out of the homesickness phase is making connections. Of course making connections helps, but it hasn't been so much with the Kiwis (though we've met some awesome Kiwi's and really find them friendly and loaded with hospitality!) and there certainly isn't an American to be found, but we've connected with the other international transplants! We've found ourselves in a small group at church made up not only of some great Kiwi's, but also people from Germany, Switzerland, France, & Korea! Its an amazing group! So, though we're making it through our search for similarity and embracing the fascinating differences, I couldn't have been happier to wake up to a bowl of Fruity Pebbles (courtesy of mom!) every day this week and put on my new maternity clothes, which all fit perfectly (courtesy of Vivian!) that arrived in timing only God could have orchestrated. It made me feel loved and known and most importantly for now, at home. 
Hey Kim,
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the new bundle of joy..She's sooooo beautiful! May the lord bless you with many beautiful moments to come.
Stephanie Ramos